Jaish offshoot claims responsibility for Botapathri attack, releases video

The footage depicts a terrorist firing a rocket at an army vehicle from a dense forest in the area

October 26, 2024

PAFF’s video shows rocket attack on Army vehicle; security forces intensify search operations

An offshoot of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), known as the People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), has claimed responsibility for the recent attack in Botapathri by releasing a video on social media. The footage depicts a terrorist firing a rocket at an army vehicle from a dense forest in the area.

Officials confirmed that while the rocket was indeed fired, it missed its target and fell a short distance away from the vehicle, preventing any significant damage. The attack on Thursday resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two army soldiers and two civilian porters, with a fifth soldier succumbing to injuries on Friday, raising the total death toll to five.

“This is the first instance of such a weapon being used in a recent attack on the Army in Jammu and Kashmir,” officials noted. “Had the rocket struck the vehicle, it could have caused far greater destruction.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack was carried out by a group of four terrorists, believed to have infiltrated the region earlier this year. Security sources suggest that this group, which includes one local and three foreign nationals, has been operating in the forests of Baramulla for several months.

“The tracks used by the terrorists while fleeing suggest they have returned to their previous hideouts,” officials added. In response, security forces have ramped up operations, deploying drones, and helicopters, and increasing checkpoints, particularly in the Tangmarg and Gulmarg areas. Elite Para Commandos have also been dispatched to aid in tracking down the terrorists.

In light of the attack, the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service was temporarily suspended as a precaution. Following a security assessment, the service resumed operations on Friday afternoon.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, working diligently to locate the attackers and enhance security in the region.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.