SRINAGAR, Oct 8: Two Army soldiers went out of contact in the upper reaches of Kokernag in Anantnag district during an ongoing anti-terror operation, prompting a massive search by ground and air forces, officials said on Wednesday.
Sources said the soldiers, part of a cordon and search operation (CASO) launched on Monday, may have lost contact due to inclement weather and difficult terrain, including recent snowfall and poor visibility. Helicopters have been deployed to assist ground teams in locating them.
Officials emphasised that the mountainous Kokernag area, characterised by dense forests and steep ridges, is prone to operational challenges. “The operation is ongoing, and every effort is being made to locate the missing soldiers,” a senior Army official said.
While defence authorities have not officially declared the soldiers missing, sources indicated that temporary loss of communication is not uncommon under adverse weather and operational conditions. Security personnel are combing the forests and valleys systematically to establish contact and ensure their safe recovery.
The incident highlights the risks faced by troops during counter-terror operations in high-altitude and forested terrain, underscoring the importance of area domination, technology deployment, and rapid response coordination between Army and local security agencies.
Recent Comments