India Today reports that it received fresh inputs from intelligence sources on the manner in which the commando operation was conducted.


Following approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DGMO activated the Special Forces units deployed under Northern Command.


The two units chosen for the task were the Udhampur-based 9 Para Commandos and the 4 Para Commandos.


The commanders were told to provide their best 'assault troops' for covert strikes on terrorist launch pads which were being monitored closely by the local intelligence units in the Uri, Poonch and Bhimbher sector along the Line of Control.


The Special Forces squad comprised four assault teams - a total of nearly 100 men. There were three assault teams and one weapons team with troopers who operate heavy weapons - including RPO7 flame throwers, PK machine guns captured from terrorists and rocket launchers.


The assault teams of 24 Special Forces operatives each from the 9 Para and the 4 Para were further divided into teams of 12 each. These small teams were pushed into PoK under the cover of darkness from four locations in Kel, Tutmari Gali, Nangi Tekri and Baalnoi post in Mendhar sector.


The artillery units in the area provided support and cover to the Special Forces by shelling Pakistani posts across the 250-kilometre arch besides diverting the attention of the Pakistan Army posts.


Around midnight, the troops began moving in to destroy identified launchpads which are used by terrorists as a waiting section. The commandos, in jungle camouflage, walked slowly using night-vision devices and night sights on their Israeli Tavor rifles.