Army Captain Killed in Doda Encounter

An Army captain was killed and four terrorists are believed to have been gunned down in an ongoing operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The encounter, which started during a cordon and search operation in the Shivgarh-Assar belt, also resulted in injuries to a civilian and another officer. The terrorists, who are suspected to have crossed into Doda from Udhampur district, were hiding near a river and were engaged in heavy firefight with security forces. Four blood-soaked rucksacks and M-4 carbines were recovered from the site, indicating the possible deaths of the terrorists. The operation, which coincides with heightened security ahead of Independence Day, continued as security forces sought to contain the infiltrators. Senior military officials have been reviewing the situation and strategizing the deployment of additional forces in the area.