Two Army soldiers lost their lives, and another was critically injured in an explosion near the Line of Control in Jammu district’s Akhnoor sector on Tuesday.

Officials confirmed the incident, stating that further details were awaited.

This comes just three days after suspected militants hiding in the forests of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) fired at Indian soldiers patrolling along the LoC in Rajouri district on Saturday afternoon. No casualties were reported on the Indian side, but sources said the anti-infiltration grid was immediately reinforced, and security measures were heightened in the area.

The Army confirmed the casualties in the blast, stating that “own troops are dominating the area and search operations are underway.”

According to officials, the troops were on patrol when a powerful explosion struck near a forward post in the Bhattal area around 3:50 pm. The injured personnel were immediately rushed to a hospital, where two of them, including a captain, succumbed to their injuries. The third injured soldier is in stable condition, they added.

The Jammu-based White Knight Corps of the Army honored the fallen soldiers, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice.

“Suspected Improvised Explosive Device blast reported in #Laleali in Akhnoor Sector during a fence patrol, resulting in two fatalities. Own troops are dominating the area and search operations are underway.

“White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of two gallant soldiers,” the unit posted on X.

Following the explosion, security forces cordoned off the entire area, officials said.