Gadool Kokernag Encounter: Two civilians, two soldiers injured amid intense gunfight

Terrorists believed to have infiltrated the region from across the Kishtwar range; operation began following intelligence inputs, confirmed through human and electronic surveillance; encounter taking place in extremely challenging conditions at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, says Army

A fierce gunbattle erupted early Saturday in the Gagarmandu Gadool Kokernag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, resulting in injuries to two civilians and two soldiers.

According to details , the encounter is part of a larger operation launched by security forces to kill terrorists who are believed to have infiltrated the region from across the Kishtwar range.

“The operation began following intelligence inputs, confirmed through both human and electronic surveillance, that terrorists involved in recent violent incidents in the Doda region had crossed into the Kapran Garol area of South Kashmir on August 5,” revealed the details.

An official handout from the Army, that acting on this information, the Rashtriya Rifles, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, initiated a series of tracking efforts.

“These efforts culminated in a precise operation launched on the night of August 9-10 in the mountains east of Kapran, where the terrorists were reportedly holed up,” it reads.

“At approximately 1400 hours on August 10, security forces observed suspicious movement in the area. Upon challenging, the terrorists responded with indiscriminate, desperate, and reckless firing, which led to the injury of two Army personnel and two civilians who were in the vicinity,” the statement reads.

The Army emphasized that the civilians were provided immediate medical assistance and evacuated to safety. The backgrounds of the injured civilians are being ascertained, given the sensitive nature of the situation.

The encounter is taking place in extremely challenging conditions, with the area situated at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. “The rugged terrain, characterized by thick undergrowth, large boulders, and natural obstacles such as Nallahs (water streams) and re-entrants, poses significant challenges to the ongoing operation. Despite these difficulties, security forces are proceeding cautiously to minimize risks and ensure the successful completion of the mission,” the Army statement reads.

As the gunfight continues, security forces have reinforced their presence in the area, determined to hunt down the terrorists. “The operation is expected to extend through the night, with further updates to be provided as more information becomes available,” it reads.