Pakistan-backed infiltration bid foiled: 7 terrorists shot dead by BSF in Jammu & Kashmir's Samba

Srinagar: In a major counter-infiltration operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down seven heavily armed infiltrators suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the early hours of Friday.

The infiltration attempt, which occurred on the intervening night of May 8 and 9, was reportedly supported by heavy gunfire from a Pakistan Rangers outpost across the border. The BSF responded swiftly, engaging the infiltrators and targeting the Pakistani post aiding them.

“At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K," the BSF confirmed in a post on X.

A video released by the BSF showed troops returning fire and causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Rangers’ Dhandhar post from where cover fire was being provided.

The incident comes amid rising tensions along the western border and is seen as part of a larger escalation following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a local pony guide. The attack, claimed to be orchestrated by JeM, prompted Indian forces to launch Operation Sindoor, targeting JeM hideouts and training camps across the border.

As part of the ongoing operation, Indian armed forces have carried out coordinated and precise strikes on terror infrastructure believed to be connected to the Pahalgam attackers. Officials described the strikes as “measured” and “strategic,” aimed at dismantling the operational bases of the terror groups.

Thursday night’s infiltration bid by JeM coincided with attempted attacks at multiple locations, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Jaisalmer. This pattern, security officials say, points to a well-coordinated escalation from across the border.

“This was clearly a coordinated push,” said a senior security official. “The infiltration bid, combined with simultaneous shelling and drone attacks in other sectors are deliberate attempts by Pakistan to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir.”

In a separate statement, the Indian Army confirmed that Pakistani forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions across the western border during the same night. “Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement read.

"The drone attacks were effectively repulsed, and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force,” it added.

Meanwhile, security has been heightened across border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with reinforcements deployed and surveillance intensified. Civilian movement in vulnerable border villages has been restricted, and emergency bunkers are being readied as a precaution.

As the border region braces for further escalation, security agencies remain on high alert, warning that more infiltration attempts or strikes cannot be ruled out.