In a tragic incident in Ladakh, five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), lost their lives during a tank exercise that went awry. The incident took place on the night of June 28, 2024, near the Shyok River, as their T-72 tank was swept away by the strong currents of the river. The soldiers belonged to the 52 Armoured Regiment stationed at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), India’s northernmost military base. Despite efforts by a rescue squad of combat engineers, the mission to save the tank crew failed due to the challenging conditions posed by the swollen river. The unexpected turn of events, believed to be caused by a flash flood, resulted in the tragic loss of lives of the soldiers.
The Leh-based HQs 14 Corps confirmed the incident and expressed deep regret over the unfortunate event. The Indian Army is currently conducting rescue operations, but the names of the deceased soldiers will only be released after their families have been informed. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences, honoring the exemplary service of the brave soldiers to the nation.
This incident comes at a critical time amidst the ongoing military standoff between India and China in the region. The Ladakh theatre has witnessed multiple clashes and challenges, with thousands of troops from both sides deployed in the high-altitude terrains. Efforts have been made to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic and military dialogues, with some successes in certain areas. However, the latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices faced by the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s borders and interests.
