In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force soldier lost his life and five others sustained injuries in a terrorist attack targeting two security force vehicles in Surankot, Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack occurred as the soldiers were traveling from Jaranwali to the air force station on Saturday, as reported by Indian media outlet Times of India.

According to a statement by the Indian Air Force, the convoy was ambushed in the Shahshitar area of Poonch district, with one of the targeted vehicles belonging to the Air Force. The injured personnel were airlifted to the Udhampur Command Hospital for urgent medical attention, with one individual reported to be in critical condition.

Following the attack, local security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation to track down the perpetrators, as stated by security officials. The Air Force also confirmed through social media that local military units are currently conducting a comprehensive search operation in the region, with the site secured and investigations underway.

The timing of the terrorist attack is significant, occurring amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India. The targeted area falls within the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency of Poonch district, where polling is scheduled to take place on May 25. The incident underscores the continued security challenges faced by the region, even during critical electoral processes.