Two 5 Para Special Forces Commandos Missing Amid Counter-Terror Operation in Kashmir Forest
In a developing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, two commandos from the Indian Army's 5 Para (Special Forces) unit have gone missing in the dense Gadole forest of Kokernag in south Kashmir. Reports indicate that the pair disappeared on Monday during counter-terrorism operations in an area known for challenging terrain and militant activity. The Indian Army has initiated a major search and rescue mission, deploying ground teams, drones, and specialized units to locate the missing personnel.
The identities of the commandos have not been disclosed. They were engaged in a routine patrol through Gadole's rugged landscape when adverse weather conditions potentially separated them from their unit. Sources suggest an ambush-like scenario might have occurred, but specifics remain classified. The 5 Para unit, recognized for its skill in high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations, has been active in this region to mitigate terror threats along the Line of Control.
Local villagers near Kokernag reported hearing sporadic gunfire on Monday evening, followed by thick fog that obscured visibility in the area. Seeking to resolve the situation, the Army's Northern Command has deployed additional reinforcements, including sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance, to explore the 20-square-kilometer search area. As of early Wednesday, there have been no confirmed sightings or communications, raising concerns about the commandos' safety.
A senior Army spokesperson in Srinagar stated, "This is a high-priority mission, and every resource is being utilized to ensure their swift recovery." The spokesperson highlighted the resilience and training of the Para SF personnel for extreme environments. This incident highlights the dangers encountered by operations in Kashmir, where units like 5 Para face ambushes, minefields, and harsh weather conditions while combating insurgents.
The search operation is being coordinated with local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with security cordons established to prevent militant interference. Rescue teams are concentrating on the area's ravines and streams, where thick undergrowth and elevation changes, exceeding 8,000 feet, present further challenges.
The Indian Army has called upon the public for any information that might assist the operation, assuring that this incident will not disrupt ongoing security measures in the region. Further updates are anticipated as the search continues, with hopes high for a positive outcome given the commandos' elite training and survival capabilities.
This incident occurs amid increased tensions in south Kashmir following recent encounters that resulted in the elimination of several militants. The 5 Para unit is part of the Parachute Regiment's Special Forces, known for its significant contributions during the Kargil War and in UN peacekeeping missions, adding poignancy to this situation for the armed forces community.
