Tragedy in Poonch: Indian Army confirms 'vehicle was fired on by unidentified terrorists', 5 jawans martyred

On Thursday, an Army vehicle travelling Bhimber Gali and Poonch in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by unidentified terrorists. The vehicle caught fire, likely due to the use of grenades by the terrorists, informed the Indian Army.

Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of five personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles Unit, which was deployed for counter-terrorist operations in the area. The soldiers were unable to escape the burning vehicle and succumbed to their injuries, further informed Army.

"Anguished by the tragedy in Poonch District (J&K)...," says Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reacting to the gruesome incident, wrote on Twitter, "Anguished by the tragedy in Poonch District (J&K), where the Indian Army has lost its brave soldiers after a truck caught fire. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."

Defence sources told news agency ANI that Singh has been briefed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande about the incident. In addition to this, the Indian Army troops on the ground are keeping a watch on the situation and taking appropriate action.

Meanwhile, another soldier who was seriously injured in the attack was immediately evacuated to the Army Hospital at Rajouri for treatment.