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MUZAFFARABAD: One Rangers personnel was martyred and another seriously injured after an armed group opened fire during a road clearance operation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to security sources. The incident occurred during a clearance operation on the Sarsawa-Tatrar-Khal road, where security personnel were working to clear the route and facilitate the reopening of blocked roads for local residents. According to security sources, the armed group targeted the Rangers personnel with sniper fireduring the operation. The sudden attack resulted in two personnel sustaining gunshot wounds. The sources said Sepoy Shahnawaz, a Rangers soldier, was struck by a bullet in the chest and succumbed to his injuries. Another Rangers personnel, Lance Naik Bilal, was shot in the shoulder and suffered serious injuries. Following the attack, security personnel took steps to secure the area and deal with the situation. Further details regarding the attackers and their whereabouts were not immediately available. Security sources said the martyred Rangers personnel, Sepoy Shahnawaz, belonged to Khairpur, Sindh. His death has added to the concerns surrounding the security situation during operations to reopen roads in the region. The clearance operation was reportedly launched following strong demands from local residents, who had called for blocked routes to be reopened. The operation was aimed at removing obstacles and ensuring that transportation could resume on roads used by residents of the affected areas. The attack occurred while security personnel were carrying out their duties, highlighting the risks faced by law-enforcement and security forces during road clearance and security operations. According to the sources, the use of sniper fire made the attack particularly dangerous, as personnel involved in the clearance operation were exposed to gunfire while attempting to restore access to the road. The injured Rangers personnel, Lance Naik Bilal, was reportedly in serious condition after sustaining a bullet wound to his shoulder. Further information regarding his medical condition and treatment was not immediately available. Authorities are expected to take further security measures in the area following the incident. The identities and motives of those involved in the attack have yet to be officially disclosed. The road clearance operation itself was being conducted in response to demands from residents who wanted the closed routes reopened. Such roads are important for the movement of local communities, particularly in areas where residents depend on road links for transportation and access to essential services. The incident has also raised concerns over the security challenges faced by personnel deployed to clear and reopen routes in areas where tensions or unrest may be present. Security officials have not yet provided details about whether any arrests have been made or whether the attackers were identified. It was also not immediately clear if the clearance operation would continue following the attack. The martyrdom of Sepoy Shahnawaz and the injury to Lance Naik Bilal underline the dangers faced by security personnel while carrying out operations intended to restore road access for civilians. Authorities are likely to assess the security situation before proceeding with further clearance activities. Meanwhile, efforts to restore normal movement on the affected road remain a key concern for local residents. Further developments are expected as authorities investigate the attack and determine the circumstances surrounding the sniper firing.