In a developing situation related to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, two elite commandos from the Indian Army’s 5 Para (Special Forces) unit have been reported missing since Monday in the dense Gadole forest area of Kokernag, located in south Kashmir. In response, the Army has initiated an extensive search and rescue operation that includes ground teams, drones, and the deployment of specialized units aimed at locating the missing personnel.
The commandos, whose identities remain undisclosed, were engaged in a routine patrol in the notoriously rugged and heavily forested Gadole region. This area has a reputation for its challenging terrain and a history of militant activity. According to sources familiar with the operation, the commandos were possibly separated from their unit due to a sudden change in weather and potential ambush conditions, although further details have not been made public.
Local villagers near Kokernag reported hearing intermittent gunfire late Monday evening, which was followed by a heavy fog that enveloped the forest and further complicated visibility for the search teams. The Northern Command of the Indian Army has mobilized additional reinforcements, including sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance assets, to cover a search area spanning approximately 20 square kilometers. As of early Wednesday, search teams had not established any confirmed sightings or communications with the commandos, raising concerns about their safety.
A senior Army spokesperson, speaking from Srinagar, classified the operation as a high-priority mission, stating, “Every resource is being utilized to ensure their swift recovery.” They emphasized the resilience and specialized training of the Para SF personnel, who are equipped to operate effectively in such extreme environments. The incident highlights the perilous nature of military operations in Kashmir, where elite units like 5 Para frequently face ambushes, minefields, and adverse weather conditions while confronting insurgent groups.
The search efforts are being coordinated closely with local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Security cordons have been established to prevent potential interference from militants during the rescue operations. Teams are concentrating their search on ravines and streams within the Gadole forest, areas known for causing disorientation due to dense undergrowth and altitude changes that can exceed 8,000 feet.
The Indian Army has also made an appeal to the public for any information that could assist in the operation while assuring ongoing security measures in the region will not be compromised. Further updates are anticipated as the search continues, with hope remaining high for a positive outcome attributed to the commandos’ elite training and survival skills.
This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in south Kashmir, following recent military encounters that have led to the elimination of several militants. The 5 Para unit, part of the Parachute Regiment’s Special Forces, has a storied legacy, having played pivotal roles in historical conflicts such as the Kargil War and UN peacekeeping missions. This context makes the current situation especially poignant for the armed forces community and underscores the enduring risks faced by personnel engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the region.
