On Wednesday, alert security forces foiled an attempt at infiltration and a drug-and arms smuggling operation. They also detained three terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir who were in possession of an improvised explosive device (IED), war-like supplies and drugs worth thousands of rupees on the black market.

An Army jawan and one of the terrorists were injured in a gunfight during the operation. A cordon-and-search operation was underway in the area, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand.

A total of 70 pistol rounds, two pistols with two magazines, an IED weighing between 10 and 12 kilogrammes, six Chinese grenades, an AK-56 rifle with 10 rounds left in the magazine (the terrorist who was injured had fired the remaining rounds), two pistols with two magazines, six Chinese grenades, and 20 packets of drugs were also recovered, the Lt Col said.

According to sources, the trio—named as inhabitants of Poonch, Mohammad Riaz (23), Mohammad Zubair (22), and Mohammad Farooq (26), who was hurt—was charged with receiving the shipment of weapons and drugs from the other side of the border but was apprehended by the forces while doing so.

“A joint team of the Army and police intercepted around three-four terrorists near the LoC in Poonch sector while they were trying to cross the border fence on the night of May 30-31, taking advantage of inclement weather and heavy rains,” Lt Col Anand said.

Once the security forces followed their movements, a shootout broke out at 1.30 am between the intruders and them, resulting in the injuries of a soldier and a terrorist. The spokesperson stated that “three terrorists were captured with weapons, war-like items including IED and narcotics,” noting that blood traces had been discovered nearby.

Also read: Congress President Rahul Gandhi Interacts With Silicon Valley AI Professionals, Business Founders