THAL (Kashmir English): Security forces foiled an attempted infiltration by militants in the Thal Sector area, killing five terrorists and recovering multiple weapons and supplies during follow-up operations, officials said.
According to security sources, the initial detection of the militant group’s exfiltration attempt triggered a series of engagements on February 7. Troops from multiple units, including 122 Wing, 72 SP, and 253 Wing, took part in the operation within the area of responsibility of 9 Division.
A follow-up search and sweep operation (ASO) was carried out on February 8 at around 5:00 PM by troops from Thal Sector Under Command (UC) Wing Command (WC) 253 Wing, focusing on the Santez Wachapala area and surrounding locations where militants were suspected to be hiding.
A total of 90 personnel, including 45 troops from 253 Wing and 45 members of the Special Operations Group (SOG), participated in the operation. Security forces dominated and thoroughly searched the Wachapala area, including vacant spaces near the International Border.
During the operation, one more militant body was recovered along with a weapon. Officials said two militants had already been killed near the same location on February 7 by an ambush party from 253 Wing. No further traces of militant presence were found in the surrounding areas after the search.
Recovered Items
Security forces recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and other items from the site, including:
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One damaged submachine gun (SMG)
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Three magazines
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Two grenades
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100 SMG rounds and 7 heavy machine gun (HMG) rounds
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Pakistani currency worth Rs 14,220
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Afghan currency is worth 170 units
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One bandolier
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Injections and painkillers
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Dry fruits
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A ballpoint pen
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A bottle of attar (perfume)
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Clothes and shoes
Security officials said the operation has significantly disrupted the militant group’s movement in the area. Further surveillance and search activities are continuing to ensure the area remains secure.
