Two security personnel were martyred and at least 12 others were injured during separate clearance operations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday. According to security officials, the attacks occurred while authorities worked to reopen blocked roads and restore public movement across the region.
Security Forces Face Deadly Attacks
Officials said armed supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire on civilians and security personnel in Rawalakot. They alleged the attackers resisted a clearance operation on the Kotli-Tatarkhel highway.
The first incident occurred near the Matial Mira bus terminal on July 14. According to officials, armed men initially fired near a civilian area before targeting police officers responding to the scene.
Rangers personnel deployed to support the police also came under attack with modern weapons. Consequently, Rangers Naik Imtiyaz Ali embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire.
Later, another attack occurred during a clearance operation in the Bethak area of Poonch Division. Officials said Mirpur Traffic Police Constable Aqib was martyred after being shot.
Meanwhile, Federal Constabulary Constable Shahzad sustained serious gunshot injuries during the operation. Authorities immediately shifted him to a medical facility for treatment.
Highway Operation Continues Amid Rising Tensions
Officials said security forces launched another operation in Baloch Bazaar to reopen the Kotli-Tatarkhel highway. According to authorities, armed groups had erected illegal barricades, disrupting transport and essential supplies.
Security personnel reportedly came under fire while removing the barriers. As a result, 12 members of the security forces suffered injuries during the operation.
Authorities said the clearance operation remains ongoing to restore road access and protect civilians. They added that reopening transport routes remains a key priority.
Officials described the attacks as evidence of the banned group’s violent activities. However, JAAC had not issued an immediate response, and the official claims could not be independently verified.
The latest violence follows weeks of unrest after the AJK government banned JAAC in June over public order and security concerns.
