Four Indian soldiers lost their lives in a gunfight with suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir, the latest escalation in a series of attacks plaguing the disputed region.
The clash erupted on Monday night during a search operation by security forces in the Doda district forests.
This follows the ambush of an army vehicle last week that claimed the lives of five soldiers in another part of Kashmir.
Kashmir, a region claimed by both India and Pakistan, has witnessed decades of armed insurgency against Indian rule. While violence had subsided in recent years, the Jammu region, previously considered relatively peaceful, has seen a surge in bloodshed.
Since June, at least eight attacks have been reported.
These attacks include a militant attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims that left nine dead and 33 injured last month, and the earlier ambush in Kathua district that killed five soldiers on July 8th.
According to reports, militants hiding in the forests opened fire, initiating the gunfight.
The Indian army, acting on intelligence, confirmed their forces were met with gunfire during the search operation. Five soldiers were critically injured in the exchange, with four succumbing to their wounds later.
Authorities have deployed reinforcements to prevent the attackers’ escape.
The strategically significant Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for decades. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militants and undermining peace in the region, a charge Pakistan denies.
