JAMMU: Security forces on Tuesday busted a suspected terrorist hideout inside a natural cave in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, recovering an AK-47 rifle, six hand grenades, ammunition and medical supplies, officials said.
The arms cache was unearthed during a joint operation by the Army and police in the Satharban forest area following reports of suspicious movement. Officials said the recovery included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 30 rounds of ammunition, six hand grenades and medical supplies. No arrests were made during the operation.
In a separate development, security forces continued a search operation in the higher reaches of Majalta and Billawar, covering parts of Udhampur and Kathua districts, following reports of suspicious movement.
The joint operation, involving Army personnel, including para commandos, and police, has been underway since Monday evening in forest areas of Soan, Khuban, Chore and Nagan in Udhampur’s Majalta, as well as Sadrouta, Bhed and Balore in Kathua district. Officials said no contact had been established with the suspected individuals so far.
Meanwhile, Army troops detected two rusted landmines near the border fence in the Basoni area of Mendhar sector in Poonch on Tuesday morning.
The explosive devices were spotted during ongoing track construction work and were subsequently destroyed by Army experts in a controlled explosion, officials said.
More than a dozen landmines have been detected and defused by the Army in the area over the past week, highlighting continued efforts to ensure the safety of personnel and civilians.
