The Indian Army killed three terrorists during an intense gunbattle in the Akhnoor region of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

The counteroffensive, called Operation Asan, resulted in the recovery of “war-like stores,” according to a statement from the Army’s White Knight Corps, which conducted the operation.

“After round-the-clock surveillance throughout the night, an intense firefight unfolded this morning, resulting in a significant victory for our forces”, the statement said.

The search operation was launched on Monday after terrorists fired upon an Army convoy near Asan in the Sunderbani sector.

Jammu and Kashmir police said that three terrorists were spotted near Asan Mandir in Battal, where they opened fire on an Army ambulance. In response, security forces and J&K police launched a joint operation, cordoning off the area.

No injuries were reported among security personnel, although an Army dog, Phantom, a Belgian Malinois, was killed during the firefight.

The White Knight Corps honored Phantom’s contribution with a post on X, stating, “We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero—a valiant Indian Army Dog, Phantom.”  

“As our troops closed in on the trapped terrorists, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten,” the statement added.