Junagadh: Three Indian Army soldiers of Mahar Regiment, including one from Junagadh in Gujarat, lost their lives when an avalanche struck Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, in Ladakh, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The avalanche hit the base camp area at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, burying three soldiers, including two Agniveers. Another officer who was trapped was pulled out alive after an intense rescue operation.

The deceased were identified as Sepoy Mohit Kumar from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh; Agniveer Dabhi Rakesh Devabhai from Junagadh, Gujarat; and Agniveer Niraj Kumar Choudhary from Deogarh, Jharkhand.

Paying tribute, the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps wrote on X: “GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and All Ranks salute Sepoy Mohit Kumar, Agniveer Niraj Kumar Choudhary and Agniveer Dabhi Rakesh Devabhai, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in #Siachen on 09 Sep 2025, and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also expressed grief on X, writing: “Deeply pained by the loss of three brave Army personnel in a tragic avalanche at #Siachen Glacier in #Ladakh. Their sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to their families.”

Avalanches are frequent in the Siachen Glacier, situated at nearly 20,000 feet along the northern edge of the Line of Control, where temperatures can plummet to -60°C.