A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Army died in a fierce gunfight with militants in Rajouri district on Thursday. A terrorist was also killed, Army officials said.

Security forces had launched a search operation in Thanamandi belt following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire on the forces who retaliated, a police officer said.

“A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Rashtriya Rifles suffered a bullet injuries in the encounter. He was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility, but succumbed to the injuries,” Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), Jammu, Lt Col Devender Anand said.

The officials also said that a terrorist was killed in the encounter. Rajouri SP Sheema Nabi Qasba said the encounter was still going on. Further details are awaited.

This is the second encounter between terrorists and security personnel in August this year. On August 6, two LeT terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Thanamandi belt. — PTI

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 19th August, 2021