Army's canine hero Phantom dies in J&K encounter

NEW DELHI: Army 's canine soldiers have once again displayed the stellar role they play in counter-terror operations . A four-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois, aptly named ' Phantom ', laid down his life while tracking and containing heavily-armed terrorists during a fierce encounter in Battal area of Jammu region, in which three militants were eventually killed on Monday.

"A highly-trained sniffer and assault dog, Phantom tragically sustained fatal injuries while protecting soldiers from terrorists. His sacrifice ensured success of the high-stakes counter-ambush operation," an Army officer said on Tuesday.

Phantom, who trained at Remount Veterinary Corps Centre in Meerut after he was born in May 2020, had joined active duties after being "posted" to Jammu region in Aug 2022. "He was a vital part of multiple counter-terror operations," the officer said. In the latest incident, Phantom was part of the troops and Special Forces swiftly deployed after terrorists tried to ambush an Army convoy in the dense jungles of Battal near LOC.

"Phantom played a key role in tracking the terrorists' trail amid the challenging jungle terrain. As the operation progressed, he detected hidden explosives and identified potential escape routes, enabling troops to tighten the cordon," the officer said. "His actions were critical in ensuring the containment of the terrorists, underscoring the bravery, loyalty, and vital contributions of the Army's canine warriors," he added.

Phantom's sacrifice comes shortly after a six-year-old female Labrador, Kent was posthumously honoured in Mention-in-Despatches (MiD) list on Independence Day this year.