Army Foils Infiltration Bid Along Line of Control in Poonch
The Indian Army on Monday thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Troops detected suspicious movement in the Balakot area during the early hours and opened fire, triggering an encounter. The area has been cordoned off and an anti-terrorist operation is currently underway to neutralize any remaining threats. The incident highlights the continued security challenges and the army's heightened state of alert along the border.
Unpacked:
Tensions escalated after a major terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus. The attack, claimed and later retracted by The Resistance Front, led to Indian military retaliation and cross-border clashes with Pakistan, marking the worst crisis between the two countries since 2019.
The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, was initially linked to the April 2025 attack. Indian authorities allege that such groups operate across the border, seeking to exploit unrest in Kashmir and target civilians and security forces.
The Mendhar sector is a sensitive area along the LoC, frequently witnessing infiltration attempts due to its rugged terrain and proximity to routes used by militant groups. Its strategic location makes it a hotspot for cross-border movement and military engagements.
Such incidents exacerbate already fraught India-Pakistan relations, leading to military escalation, diplomatic downgrades, and international concern about the risks of broader conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors. The recent crisis prompted emergency UN Security Council consultations and heightened global attention.