Three trained camels are crossing the International Border (IB) [Part-II]
(Continued from Part-I)The operation had been named 'Operation Desert Mirage' for a reason. The harsh desert landscape and the ever-shifting sands made tracking movements and establishing a clear line of sight nearly impossible. But for the past week, the BSF had been on high alert, monitoring the suspicious activities that had surfaced along the IB with Pakistan. Intelligence reports suggested a nexus between terrorists and drug dealers, using the barren wasteland as their playground. Camels, often associated with the desert life, were found to be a key part of this sinister plan.
For three nights, the BSF had observed movements near the IB that were not just unusual but strategically alarming. The movement of heavy artillery, detected by the faint glimmers of lights through the raging sandstorms, pointed towards a buildup. It was more than just a drug smuggling ring; it had the markings of something far more dangerous—possibly a coordinated effort by terrorists to disrupt peace.
On the fourth night, the BSF Commander's worst fears were confirmed. Karim Bux, the reliable informant who had crossed over to Umerkot, returned with vital information. He confirmed that a notorious terrorist outfit, backed by local drug lords, was planning a significant attack. The terrorists were using camels, trained to navigate the treacherous terrain, to transport weapons and drugs across the border under the guise of traditional trading caravans. The artillery spotted earlier was intended to serve as a diversion, while the real threat—camels laden with contraband and explosives—slipped across the border unnoticed.
As dawn broke, the Commander convened an emergency meeting at the BSF outpost. The 2IC, veteran scouts, and other key officers gathered around a makeshift table covered with maps and satellite images. They quickly outlined a plan: a two-pronged strategy that would counter both the immediate and underlying threats.
(Please see Part-III)