JAMMU: Security forces have uncovered a suspected terrorist hideout inside a natural cave and recovered six improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Kasblari area of Mendhar in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.
The recovery was made during a search operation launched following specific intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist activity in the area. Troops searched the surrounding region and discovered a natural cave believed to have been used as a hideout by terrorists.
During the operation, security personnel recovered six IEDs concealed in brown tape insulated containers, along with other equipment and materials suspected to be linked to terrorist activities.
The seized items included a 7.62 mm light machine gun magazine, a black bag, a combat pouch, an aluminium container, two power adapters with power sources and a tiffin box. Investigators are expected to examine the recovered materials to determine their intended use and whether the tiffin box could have been modified for use as an explosive device.
The recovery has highlighted concerns over the use of natural caves and isolated forest locations by terrorists to conceal weapons, ammunition and explosives while avoiding detection by security forces.
Dense forest areas and naturally sheltered caves can provide cover for storing supplies and planning activities away from populated areas. Security forces have also observed a growing reliance on such isolated locations in recent days.
The suspected shift towards remote hideouts is believed to be linked to reduced access to local shelter, making it more difficult for terrorists to remain undetected in inhabited areas without exposing their presence.
The latest recovery in Poonch underscores the continuing security challenges in the region and the importance of intelligence based operations to locate concealed weapons and disrupt potential terrorist activities.
Security forces continue to maintain surveillance and conduct search operations in vulnerable areas of the district to identify hidden caches and prevent possible threats.
