Jammu: Phantom, a four-year-old Indian Army dog, made the ultimate sacrifice during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector. Phantom, a Belgian Malinois trained for assault missions, was killed by a terrorist’s bullet while bravely fulfilling his duty.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 28th, as Army troops closed in on terrorists who had attacked an ambulance that was part of an army convoy in the Battal area of Akhnoor. During the encounter, Phantom drew enemy fire, sustaining fatal injuries.
The White Knight Corps, in a moving tribute on X, honoured Phantom’s sacrifice, “We salute the supreme sacrifice of our true hero – a valiant #IndianArmy Dog, #Phantom. His courage, loyalty, and dedication will never be forgotten.”
He served as an assault dog in the K9 unit, a specialised team of trained canines participating in anti-terror operations.
There are dedicated dog units in the Indian army where dogs like Phantom are trained to serve alongside soldiers in combat. Trained to gather intelligence and assist in counter-insurgency missions, Army dogs like Phantom are equipped with advanced gadgets, allowing them to operate effectively in close combat situations.
Phantom, born on May 25, 2020, joined the Army in August 2022 after graduating from the Remount Veterinary Corps in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. His sacrifice marks the second such loss for the Army in the last year. In 2023, a six-year-old Labrador-type dog named Kent, was killed during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir while saving a soldier’s life.
The operation in which Phantom lost his life resulted in the successful elimination of all three terrorists involved in the ambush. The Army deployed significant resources, including four BMP-II infantry combat vehicles for surveillance and helicopters and drones to locate the hiding terrorists.
