Srinagar, Oct 26: The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an affiliate of Jaish-e-Muhammad, has claimed responsibility for the Botapathri attack in Gulmarg, releasing a video showing a terrorist firing a rocket from the dense forest. Though the rocket missed the army vehicle, which could have caused greater damage, the incident has raised concerns as such weaponry hasn’t been used in recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack, which occurred Thursday, killed two army soldiers and two civilian porters on the spot, with an additional soldier succumbing to injuries on Friday, bringing the death toll to five. Security officials believe the group, comprising mostly foreign terrorists and one local, infiltrated earlier this year and have been hiding in the Baramulla forests. They used known tracks to escape after the attack, indicating familiarity with the area.
To track down the group, security forces have ramped up efforts using drones, helicopters, and additional checkpoints across Tangmarg and Gulmarg. Elite Para Commandos have joined the search operation, while the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service was temporarily suspended as a precaution but resumed service on Friday after a security assessment. ( News source IANS)
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