Security forces on Thursday detained three more locals for sheltering terrorists as the anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district continued for the 18th consecutive day, according to police sources.

The sources said the three locals, which include two brothers, were detained from Bhatta Durrian area of Mendhar tehsil. So far, around 20 locals, including some women, have been detained during this operation.

Nine soldiers, including two JCOs, have been martyred in this operation while two policemen and a soldier have sustained injuries. 6 terrorists and another Pakistani LeT terrorist Zia Mustafa taken from prison to locate the hideout, have been killed.

The names of the martyred soldiers are: Naib Subedar (JCO) Jaswinder Singh, Subedar (JCO) Ajay Singh, Naiks Mandeep Singh and Harendra Singh, Riflemen Vikram Singh Negi and Yogambar Singh, and Sepoys Gajjan Singh, Saraj Singh and Vaisakh H.

The first contact between the combing army soldiers and the terrorists took place in Dhera Ki Gali (DKG) in Poonch district on October 11, 2021.The operation was later extended to Surankote area of Rajouri district where the presence of another group of terrorists was detected.

This has now become the longest-ever continuous anti-terror operation undertaken by security forces. It is suspected that the large group of well-trained terrorists are working under the operational leadership of Pakistan army personnel.

Villagers living in Bhatta Durrian have been advised not to go into the forest area and also stop grazing their cattle. Security forces, including the elite para commandos of the Army, are engaged in flushing out the hidden terrorists whose exact number is yet to be ascertained. Drones and helicopters are also being used.

(With IANS inputs)