Poonch IAF convoy attack: Security forces release sketches of two terrorists

Poonch IAF convoy attack: Two days after one Indian Air Force (IAF) soldier was killed while 4 others were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, the security forces have identified the two terrorists and released their sketches. The forces have announced a ₹20 lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of the two terrorists.

A convoy of the Indian Air Force (IAF) came under heavy firing on Sunday while it was on its way towards Sanai Top in the Poonch district’s Surankote area. The Pakistan-based terrorist targeted the last vehicle of the convoy, and the response from the IAF soldiers was swift. In the ensuing cross-firing, five soldiers were injured and were airlifted to the command hospital for treatment.

The local unit of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles cordoned off the area and started an intense search operation to locate the terrorists.

The injured IAF soldiers were airlifted to the command hospital for treatment, during which Corporal Vikky Pahade succumbed to his injuries. “The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of (the) Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in (the) Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief,” read a post on the official X handle of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Sketch of the Pakistan terrorists

Any person who has any information about the two terrorists can provide it to the security forces, who have announced a reward of ₹20 lakh.

Corporal Vikky Pahade was a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district and recently returned to duty after a leave for his sister’s wedding. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2011 to accomplish his father’s dream and is survived by his wife, Rina, and son, Hardik.

“I am proud of my brother. I got to know about this (brother’s demise) a day before yesterday. I want justice for my brother,” Vikky’s sister Geeta Pahade said.