Axel, a sniffer dog used by the Indian Army, died last month during a counterterrorism operation in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. He will get a “Mention-in-Despatches” for his bravery this year. Just a few days before India’s 76th Independence Day, the news was made.

Axel is one of 42 people who have received a “Mention-in-Depatches,” which honors outstanding and deserving service. The Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card are ranked below Mention-in-Despatches among honors granted to dogs.

As a result, it will be the highest bravery honor given to an army dog recently for their participation in a counterinsurgency campaign.

The German Shephard Army dog, age 2, gave his life in the line of duty while assigned to the 26th Army Dog Unit. Axel reportedly only joined the team in December of the previous year.

Axel reportedly participated in an anti-terror operation with 29 Rashtriya Rifles. Following the clearing and sanitization of the building by his canine compatriot Bajaj, Axel was brought in to look for the terrorists.

A cowardly terrorist opened fire on Axel as soon as he reached the second room, despite the fact that he had successfully cleared the first room with diligence. Axel moved for 15 seconds after being shot, according to the official Army account, before succumbing.

Army personnel recovered the dog’s body when the gunfight was done. Axel reportedly sustained numerous injuries, including a fractured femur.

Along with Axel, his canine buddy Bajaj also received a recognition from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

According to WION, the Baramulla operation lasted eight hours before security personnel killed the terrorist who was later revealed to be Akhtar Hussain Bhatt, a resident of Kupwara. The terrorist who was killed belonged to the outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed group.