Poonch attack: Army releases sketch of two Pakistani terrorists, announces Rs 20 lakh reward for information

The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have identified two Pakistani terrorists, who attacked the Indian Air Force (IAF) vehicle last week and have released their sketches, announcing a Rs 20 lakh reward for any information that leads to their arrest.

On Saturday, around 6:15 pm, a convoy of the IAF came under heavy firing. The Pakistan-based terrorists attacked the last of the three vehicles traveling from Jaranwalli Gali to Shahistar Top where the air force has a base.

After two vehicles passed, the terrorists, who reportedly had taken positions atop the hill along the road, opened fire. The bullets hit the windscreen of the third and the last vehicle. Following the shots, the vehicle stopped after which the terrorists turned their guns to the side of the vehicle.

IAF corporal Vikky Pahade died in the ambush and four others personnel got injured.

Following the incident, the local unit of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles cordoned off the area and started an intense search operation to locate the terrorists.

Armed bulletproof vehicles and dog squads were deployed in the region to track down the terrorists.

IAF corporal Pahade, who died in the ambush on Saturday, was a resident of Madhya Pradesh’ Chhindwara’s Nonia Karbal area. He had resumed work 15 days before the incident, after a long leave for his sister’s wedding. He was posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pahade joined the Indian Air Force in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Rina and son, Hardik.

A report by PTI mentioned officials suspecting the involvement of the same group of terrorists who ambushed troops in Bufliaz, Poonch on December 21, 2023, leaving four soldiers dead and three injured.

With inputs from agencies