Paramilitary Soldier Killed in Encounter Following Terrorist Attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir

A paramilitary soldier was killed during a encounter that occurred after terrorists attacked a village in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, late Tuesday night. Meanwhile, in Jammu, two separate encounters that began overnight have extended into the morning hours, including one in Doda where five soldiers and a special police officer were injured.

The recent unrest follows a tragic incident just days prior when a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked in Reasi, resulting in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of nine passengers. Anand Jain, the Additional Director General of Police overseeing anti-terror operations in Kathua, provided updates on these encounters earlier today. Regarding the incident in Doda, Jain explained that terrorists initiated gunfire at a joint police and Rashtriya Rifles team stationed at an army base in the Chattargala area late last night. He confirmed an ongoing standoff between security forces and the terrorists in the higher terrains.

Police reports indicate the involvement of two terrorists in the assault in Kathua, with one being neutralized. Security forces are presently employing drone technology to locate the remaining attacker in the Hiranagar region. The terrorists' suspicious behavior, which included seeking water from multiple households, raised alarms among villagers, leading to gunfire when residents became wary. Jain clarified that aside from one civilian sustaining injuries, there were no fatalities in the Kathua attack, dispelling rumors of multiple deaths.

The deceased member of the security forces involved in the confrontation was a part of the Central Reserve Police Force. Jain categorized the Kathua attack as a "fresh infiltration," hinting at involvement from across the border without explicitly naming Pakistan. According to officials, the attack was orchestrated under the directives of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Hamza.​