SEARCH OPERATION EXPANDS IN HUNT FOR IAF CONVOY ATTACKERS ON DAY 5

NEW DELHI: Search for the terrorists responsible for the attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, which resulted in the death of a corporal, entered its fifth day on Wednesday even as photos of the alleged suspects were released.

Efforts are being made to identify the terrorists, with three to four pictures of the suspects, likely obtained from CCTV footage in the area, now being circulated publicly. Posters have been displayed in Surankote, offering a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the two prime suspects.

The security forces, consisting of the Army, police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have intensified their efforts to comb and search an area spanning nearly 20 square kilometres in the Surankote belt, with over five kilometres already covered.

The attack occurred on Saturday in the Shaistar area of Poonch district, where terrorists targeted an IAF convoy, leading to the death of an IAF corporal and injuries to four others.

The search operation is being conducted in various areas within the Surankote belt and its adjoining regions in Poonch district, including Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, Lasana, and Sheendara top. The security forces are equipped with surveillance equipment such as drones and sniffer dogs to aid in their efforts.

According to officials, 26 people have been detained for questioning, and authorities are examining CCTV footage for potential leads.

The search operation by the security forces, which began on Tuesday, is also being carried out in the Sada and Kandi areas of Rajouri district.

(With agency inputs)