Army Foils Infiltration Bid in Poonch, Kills Two Suspected Terrorists
The Indian Army has thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, killing two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The operation, codenamed 'Shivshakti', was launched based on intelligence inputs. Troops engaged the infiltrators late Tuesday night, and three weapons were recovered from the site. The encounter comes just two days after security forces eliminated the three terrorists responsible for the recent Pahalgam attack, signaling heightened vigilance along the border.
Unpacked:
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is a Pakistan-based militant group designated as a terrorist organization by India, the U.S., and the UN. It has been linked to numerous attacks in India, most notably the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Its involvement in cross-border infiltration is significant because it highlights ongoing security threats and the group's role in escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Heightened vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) follows recent terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack targeting tourists, and subsequent military escalations between India and Pakistan. Frequent ceasefire violations, militant infiltration attempts, and tit-for-tat retaliatory actions have prompted Indian forces to increase surveillance and security operations along the volatile border region.
The Pahalgam attack, on April 22, 2025, targeted Indian and Nepalese tourists in Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in India since 2008. The incident was claimed by Kashmir Resistance, linked to LeT. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers, leading to major diplomatic fallout and military escalations, worsening already tense India-Pakistan relations.
Recent events, including attacks in Kashmir and subsequent military operations, have severely strained India-Pakistan relations. India downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and closed borders. Pakistan responded with similar measures, and both militaries increased cross-border activity. The standoff raised fears of further escalation, with both countries trading threats and accusations while international actors called for de-escalation.