A terrorist was killed, and an army man sustained injuries during a shootout after security forces repelled a terrorist attack in the Rafiabad area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. An official from the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that terrorists attacked security forces during a naka (checkpoint) checking at the Watergam area of Rafiabad in Sopore Police district, which led to retaliatory fire from the security personnel.
"During a joint naka checking, terrorists fired upon forces, which was retaliated. In the ensuing exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed,” the official said, adding that the identification and organization of the slain terrorist are being ascertained.
During the firefight, an army man also received injuries and was immediately evacuated to the hospital for treatment, the official said, adding that a pistol, along with ammunition and grenades, was recovered from the possession of the killed terrorist.
Following the shootout, joint teams comprising the Army, CRPF and J&K Police laid a siege to the specific area along with the peripheral areas."One terrorist eliminated and war-like stores recovered. The operation is continuing," Chinar Corps—Indian Army said in a post on X.
Earlier, officials said that following specific intelligence about the area, a joint team of the Indian Army and J&K Police was fired upon by terrorists in the Watergam area of Sopore. Vigilant troops swiftly responded, leading to the firefight, they said.
The operation came amid heightened security preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, with security agencies strengthening measures to ensure the smooth conduct of polls—(KNO)