In cross-LoC raids, Indian Army kills three Pakistani soldiers
The Indian Army last night carried out raids across the LoC in Pooch of J&K, killing at least three Pakistani soldiers. The first phase was an ambush with IEDs, followed by firing with machine guns and assault rifles. It has been described as "localized tactical level operation", not "surgical strike". This came two days after four Indian Army personnel were killed in Pakistani firing.
How the raids were carried out
The Indian Army crossed over the LoC in Rukh Chakri sub-sector of Rawalakote and planted IEDs on the Pakistani side. Then they opened fire. At least three Pakistani personnel, identified by DNA as sepoys Sajjad, Abdul Rehman and M Usman, were killed. No Indian personnel was injured. Some posts were also reportedly damaged. IE reports suspicious activity had been noticed at some Pakistani posts.
Why does it not qualify as a "surgical strike"?
NDTV quotes sources as saying that the term "surgical strike" doesn't apply to this operation, which targeted a specific post. The "selective targeting" was limited in scope and had a very specific goal.
Sources warn of more raids if Pakistan attacks Indian troops
On Saturday, a Major and three army soldiers were killed when Pakistani Army opened fire across the LoC in Keri sector of Rajouri. The Indian Army had said "it shall retaliate at a time...of its choosing". Sources have warned of more such raids. Incidentally, it came on the same day alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, in Pakistani custody, met his family after 21 months.
The raids that made "surgical strike" a familiar term
On September 29, 2016, the Indian Army crossed the LoC to conduct surgical strikes on "launch pads" from where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists would infiltrate into India. The Army inflicted "significant casualties" on the terrorists. The Army jawans completed the mission and returned safely without suffering a single casualty. The strike was touted as a revenge for last year's Uri attack that left 19 soldiers dead.
