High currents and an abrupt rise in the Shyok River’s water levels caused the tank to become stuck, according to the Army’s 14 Corps.
According to officials speaking to well know news portal, five Army servicemen lost their lives early on Saturday morning while conducting a standard military training exercise including the crossing of the Shyok River in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) district of eastern Ladakh in tanks. According to officials, a group of T-72 tanks with Russian origins was participating in the crossing drill.
A tributary of the Indus River that passes through northern Ladakh is called the Shyok.
Officials report that although the lead tank made it across the river, at least one of the tanks drifted downstream due to strong currents and an abrupt rise in the river’s water level, finally becoming stuck in the water. The Army men were washed away by the strong river current despite efforts to save them. The search and rescue efforts to recover the bodies are presently in progress.
The tank was in the process of being de-inducted from a military training exercise when it became trapped in the Shyok River near Saser Brangsa in eastern Ladakh, according to the Army’s 14 Corps, which is in charge of the region.
It stated, “Rescue teams rushed to the location, but the tank crew lost their lives and the rescue mission failed due to high current and water levels.”
The Indian Army laments the passing of five courageous soldiers who were serving in eastern Ladakh. Rescue efforts are in progress,” it continued.
The key DBO sector in eastern Ladakh has seen a rise in the deployment of armoured vehicles following the 2020 battles in the Galwan Valley. At Aksai Chin, DBO is located fewer than 10 km to the west of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In response to China’s occupation of Aksai Chin, a military outpost was established in DBO. At the moment, it is manned by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a paramilitary organisation, and the Army’s Ladakh Scouts.
Originally, there was just one tank brigade stationed in the region; but, later on, two brigades with more battalions were sent there. They have been conducting regular training there since their deployment so that the crew and tanks are acquainted with the area and likely situations.
News – Prasneet Kaur
