Second Day of Forest Fire Triggers New Landmine Blasts Along LoC in Poonch

Overview

• Nearly a dozen landmines exploded on Tuesday as the blaze continued along forward areas of Poonch district, officials said.
• The fire began Monday in the Basooni forward area of the Balakote sector around 1:50 pm, initially detonating five mines.
• The flames spread into parts of the Mendhar sector on Tuesday, expanding the zone of concern along the Line of Control.
• Authorities have reported no casualties so far, and efforts to douse the fire remain underway.
• The Army strengthened multi-tier security arrangements and intensified patrolling in view of potential infiltration risks tied to the fire.