7 army personnel killed, 3 terrorists neutralized in Nagrota
7 army personnel including 2 officers were killed in a brazen terror attack on the army's 16 corps, which ended with the killing of three terrorists. The ensuing gun battle lasted for over 12 hours and also included a hostage situation when the terrorists barged into residential quarters in the base. Officials said sanitization operations are still underway.
Nagrota: An introduction
Nagrota is a small town in Jammu district in the south west part of Jammu and Kashmir; it is also the first stop along the way for pilgrims heading to Mata Vaishno Devi. Nagrota is also home to the Indian Army's 16 corps, the largest army corps in the world and an integral part of the army's defensive positions in Kashmir.
7 army personnel killed, 3 terrorists neutralized in Nagrota
7 army personnel including 2 officers were killed in a brazen terror attack on the army's 16 corps, which ended with the killing of three terrorists. The ensuing gun battle lasted for over 12 hours and also included a hostage situation when the terrorists barged into residential quarters in the base. Officials said sanitization operations are still underway.
How did the attack happen?
The terrorists allegedly stormed the base by scaling a perimeter wall, hurling grenades and firing indiscriminately at the sentry post; they were dressed as J&K police personnel. A hostage arose after the terrorists entered two buildings housing officers and families, however soldiers defused the situation quickly, rescuing everyone inside. Authorities recovered 3 AK-47s, 457 AK bullets, 12 grenades and 20 magazines from the terrorists.
Hostages rescued
The wives of 2 officers barricaded the entrance to the residences using household items, making it difficult for terrorists to enter. Of the 16 people rescued were 12 soldiers, 2 women and 2 children aged 2 months and 18 months old.
Infiltration increasing, targets changing
Data shows that infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has more than doubled in 2016 compared to last year. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said "Statistics have shown that the attack is on military installations. No civilian has been targeted as they seek local support." At the time of the attack on Nagrota, another attack by 3 terrorist was foiled by the BSF, 70 km away.
Nagrota attack terrorists may have used tunnel
Sources said the terrorists who attacked the army camp in Nagrota, may have used a tunnel to infiltrate into Kashmir; the Border Security Force detected a narrow tunnel in Chamliyal area of Jammu. The channel is extremely narrow and seems to be man-made; this is the fourth tunnel detected in the Jammu. Army chief General Dalbir Singh also visited the Nagrota-based 16 Corps headquarters.
