Search operation yields arms, ammo cache at Khanetar Top in J&K's Poonch

JAMMU: Security forces Thursday seized a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during a massive cordon-and-search operation at Khanetar Top area in J&K’s Poonch district. Officials suspect the seized consignment to be part of a larger weapon smuggling network aimed at reviving terrorism in the region.

The operation was launched jointly by the Army’s 39 Rashtriya Rifles, Army’s ROMEO Counter Insurgency Force, and J&K Police’s Special Operations Group around 3.30pm, based on intelligence inputs about the possible presence of a terror consignment in the area.

“During the searches, the forces busted a terrorist hideout in Khanetar Top’s Churun Gali area around 4.20pm, and seized two pistols, two magazines, 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one under-barrel grenade launcher, six hand grenades, two improvised explosive devices, an electronic radio set and a watch,” said an official source.

Officials said the combing area had been expanded, and further searches were underway.