The security forces found a suspected hideout from terrorists and recovered six improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kasblari area of Mendhar in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said, foiling a possible terror conspiracy.
The operation was triggered based on certain intelligence inputs received of possible terrorism in the region. In the course of the search the troops found a naturally occurring cave, which was thought to have been used from time to time by the terrorists.
Arms, explosives and other equipment were recovered from the cave too. The removed items included 6 IEDs which resembled a taped container, a 7.62 mm light machine gun magazine, a black bag, a combat pouch, an aluminium container and two power adapters along with the power sources in two tiffin boxes.
Investigators were looking into the recovered materials, security officials said. They also speculated that perhaps the tiffin box might have been used as an explosive device, though this could not be substantiated.
Forest Caves as Terrorist Hideouts
Senior security officer said that natural caves in dense forests are increasingly being utilized by terrorists to hide their weapons and ammunition, as well as evade security forces’ watch.
The officer said they can offer natural cover and temporary shelter and can act as operations planning areas. The officer also claimed that in the last few days, the terrorists supported by Islamabad were increasing their activities in the forest areas.
The locations have been used more, amid reports that locals have been less willing to provide protection to terrorists and have been looking for alternative shelter.
This recovery serves as an example of the value of intelligence-led search operations in forested areas of the region. The security forces are still in the process of combing the district for suspected weapons and explosives and for areas where there can be suspect militant activities.