Volatile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir intensified on December 4, 2024, as militants launched two separate attacks targeting both security forces and civilians. A Territorial Army soldier was injured in Tral area of south Kashmir, while an army camp in Poonch district faced a grenade attack.
These incidents follow a significant counter-terrorism operation in Srinagar, where security forces neutralized a top militant from Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Soldier Injured in Tral
A Territorial Army soldier, identified as Delair Mushtaq Sofi, was ambushed by militants near his home in Khanagund village, Pulwama district.
- Incident Details:
Sofi, who was on leave, was traveling in his car when he was attacked by suspected militants. He sustained two bullet wounds to his right leg. - Rescue Operation:
Local residents and police immediately evacuated Sofi to a nearby hospital, where his condition was reported as stable. Later, he was transferred to an army hospital for advanced care. - Claims of Responsibility:
newly formed militant group, Kashmir Strikers, claimed responsibility for attack. This group has been linked to a string of violent incidents in region.
| Attribute | Details |
| Victim | Delair Mushtaq Sofi |
| Location | Khanagund, Pulwama District |
| Injury | Bullet wounds to right leg |
| Perpetrators | Kashmir Strikers |
Poonch Grenade Attack
On same day, suspected militants lobbed grenades at an army camp in Surankote, located in Poonch district along Line of Control (LoC).
- Details of Attack:
While one grenade caused a loud explosion, it did not result in any casualties or damage. A second grenade failed to detonate and was successfully defused by a bomb disposal squad. - Security Response:
Following attack, army and police launched a large-scale search operation to apprehend perpetrators.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Surankote, Poonch District |
| Damage | No casualties or damages |
| Response | Grenade defused, search operation launched |
Recent Militant Activity
These incidents follow a high-profile security operation in Srinagar, where forces eliminated Junaid Ahmad Bhat, a top commander of Resistance Front.
- Key Details of Operation:
Junaid Ahmad Bhat was involved in Ganderbal attack on an Apco Infra construction company in October 2024, where seven workers, including a doctor, were killed. - Ongoing Search in Srinagar:
Security forces are combing dense forests in Harwan locality, searching for remaining militants.
Rising Insurgency in J&K
year 2024 has witnessed a sharp escalation in insurgency-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir:
- Militants Neutralized:
- At least 63 militants have been killed in counter-insurgency operations this year.
- Civilian Casualties:
- 31 civilians have lost their lives, marking deadliest year in region over past three years.
- Spread of Violence:
- Militant activities, once concentrated in Kashmir Valley, have spread to Jammu region following abrogation of Article 370.
- Targeted Attacks:
- Hindu pilgrims, security personnel, and construction workers have increasingly been targeted by militant groups.
Challenges for Security Forces
Increased Threats
- Emerging Militant Groups:
New groups like Kashmir Strikers are escalating attacks, complicating counter-terrorism efforts. - Expanded Conflict Zones:
spread of insurgency into Jammu has created additional pressure on security forces.
| Statistic | Details |
| Militants Killed | 63 |
| Civilians Killed | 31 |
| Regions Affected | 8 out of 10 districts in Jammu |
Security Forces’ Response
- Enhanced patrols and intelligence gathering in sensitive areas.
- Increased focus on cutting off cross-border support for militant groups.
Conclusion
recent attacks in Tral and Poonch underline fragile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where insurgency-related violence continues to challenge efforts of security forces. While successful operations, such as elimination of Junaid Ahmad Bhat, provide a semblance of progress, emergence of new militant groups like Kashmir Strikers indicates that conflict is far from over.
As militancy spreads into new regions and civilian casualties rise, a comprehensive strategy involving socio-economic initiatives and robust counter-terrorism measures will be essential to restore lasting peace in region.
Disclaimer
This article on J&K: Soldier Injured in Tral Attack; Army Camp Targeted in Poonch is based on publicly available information and reliable sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details independently. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
