Five Indian Army soldiers, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four jawans, lost their lives in a tragic accident during a military training exercise in Eastern Ladakh. Their tank got stuck in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa due to a sudden rise in water levels. Rescue efforts were hampered by strong currents, and all five soldiers aboard the tank perished.
The Army’s 14 Corps expressed deep regret over the loss of these brave personnel and confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the nation stands with them in this difficult time.
This incident highlights the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions faced by Indian soldiers deployed in Eastern Ladakh. The DBO sector, where the accident occurred, is a strategically important area with limited access and serves as a key location for resolving border issues with China. The recent deployment of tanks and other heavy equipment in the region underscores the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).