Conflict
Two civilians, 27 militants and 5 army personnel killed in 19 military Ops in north Kashmir this year: Officials
Baramulla: North Kashmir recorded a total of 19 military operations, including eight infiltration bids, resulting in the killing of 27 militants, the death of five army personnel and two civilian casualties in 2024, according to an official data.
The first quarter of 2024 remained quiet with no operations reported. However, in April, the region saw its first infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri on April 5, where two militants were killed. Later in the month, one operation in Sopore on April 26 claimed the lives of two militants, including top Pakistani militant commander Saifullah. This was Sopore’s first operation in 22 months. The operation also left two army personnel and a civilian injured.
On June 19, two foreign militants, including top categorised militant Usman active since 2020, were killed in Rafiabad, Sopore. A police personnel was also injured in the operation, which was hailed as a major success by armed forces, during a media briefing.
On June 22, another operation occurred along the LoC in Uri. This was followed by the discovery of a militant hideout in Kupwara on June 27, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and RPG shells.
July witnessed increased infiltration attempts and operations along the LoC. On July 15, three foreign militants were killed in Keran, Kupwara. Three days later, on July 18, two militants were killed in the same sector, with armed forces recovering a rare Steyr AUG rifle.
A 36-hour-long operation in Kupwara’s Lolab area on July 23 resulted in the death of a militant and an army personnel. On July 27, a Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) attack in Machil sector led to the death of a armed forces personnel and a Pakistani intruder, while four other army personnel sustained injuries.
August saw minor activity, with a militant killed in Sopore’s Rafiabad on August 24 and three infiltrators killed in Kupwara on August 29.
In September, three militants were killed in the Tapper area of Pattan on September 13, just days ahead of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
October was marked by a militant attack in Gulmarg’s Botapathri on October 24, resulting in the deaths of three army personnel and two porters. Two militants were also killed earlier in the month in Kupwara’s Keran sector.
On November 6, two foreign militants were killed in Bandipora and Kupwara, with an M4 rifle recovered. The next day, November 7, Sopore witnessed a significant operation in Sagipora, where two militants were killed. Another encounter in Sopore woods on November 9 led to the killling of a militant.
December concluded without any reported gunfights, bringing a relatively calm end to an otherwise tumultuous year.
Throughout 2024, 27 militants were killed, many of whom were top commanders or foreign nationals. Armed forces lost five personnel, with eight others injured in various operations. Two army porters also lost their lives in the attack. Multiple hideouts were busted, leading to the recovery of advanced weaponry, including M4 rifles, Steyr AUG rifles, and large quantities of ammunition. (KNO)
