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<\/div>\nThe soldiers were from Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counterterror operations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
New Delhi: <\/b><\/p>\n
A massive cordon and search operation has been launched in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district following the terrorist attack on an army truck on Thursday. Five soldiers died and another was seriously injured in the terrorist attack on the military vehicle.<\/p>\n
Official sources said\u00a0the truck has been hit by over two dozen bullets from all sides which indicates several terrorists may have been involved in the attack.<\/p>\n
The vehicle carrying the soldiers – all of them from Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counterterror operations – was fired upon by the terrorists at around 3 pm and later caught fire due to a likely grenade attack, the Army said.<\/p>\n
The attack has come three months after the targeted attack on Hindu families in Rajouri. Seven people were killed and over a dozen were injured in the attacks. The perpetrators are still at large despite a massive security operation in the area to track them down. Police have said that the terrorists were Pakistani nationals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The National Investigation Agency, or NIA, will join the investigation, an official told NDTV, adding that a team of the anti-terror agency’s unit in Jammu is on its way to the attack site.<\/p>\n
A team of forensic experts is also at the site near the Bhimber Gali area of Poonch, officials added.<\/p>\n
Four of the five soldiers are from Punjab while one soldier is from Odisha.<\/p>\n
The Army’s 16 Corps, based in Nagrota, identified the soldiers who died in the attack as: Havildar Mandeep Singh, Lance Naik Debashish Baswal, Lance Naik Kulwant Singh, Sepoy Harkrishan Singh and Sepoy Sewak Singh. “The Whitenight corps stand in solidarity with the bereaved families,” it said in a tweet.<\/p>\n
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was anguished at the loss of lives of the brave soldiers. “In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” the Defence Minister tweeted.<\/p>\n
Political parties have also condemned the attack.<\/p>\n
In a tweet, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Strongly condemn the terror attack on an Army vehicle in Poonch District, Jammu & Kashmir. Our deepest condolences to the families of 5 Rashtriya Rifle bravehearts.” “Our prayers for the injured personnel. We are united against terrorism,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I pay my humble tributes to those heroes and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families,” former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.<\/p>\n
Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina condemned the “cowardly attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and said the killing of soldiers will be avenged.<\/p>\n
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted, “Terrible news of a terror attack in Poonch that claimed the lives of 5 army jawans in the line of duty. I unequivocally condemn this heinous attack & send my condolences to the loved ones of those killed today. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.” Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said he was deeply saddened by the cowardly terrorist attack.<\/p>\n
People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone has also condemned the attack.<\/p>\n