Three terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit have been killed in an ongoing counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The operation, which began on Wednesday, has continued despite severe weather conditions, with the army neutralizing one terrorist on Friday and two more on Saturday. Meanwhile, a parallel operation to track down additional militants continues in Udhampur district.
Two Terrorists Killed in Fresh Firefight
The Indian Army confirmed that two more Pakistani terrorists were eliminated in the snow-bound Chhatru area of Kishtwar, bringing the total count to three. Among the deceased was a top JeM commander, Saifullah, who had been active in the Chenab valley region for over a year. The Army’s White Knight Corps posted on X that a significant cache of arms was recovered from the encounter site, including an AK rifle and an American-origin M4 rifle. The operation, launched after a brief contact with militants on Wednesday, has continued through inclement weather and difficult terrain.
The army has maintained tight security around the region, with forces conducting combing operations to ensure no terrorist escapes the cordon. Saifullah’s elimination is seen as a major blow to JeM’s presence in the region, given his role in recruitment and logistics over the past year.
Udhampur Combing Operation Ongoing
Security forces are also carrying out a search operation in the Basantgarh and Ramnagar areas of Udhampur district. Officials suspect the presence of three terrorists in the area and have been pursuing them since Wednesday. Search parties have been deployed across multiple forested pockets, with aerial surveillance and ground teams working in coordination. The terrain and dense forest cover are posing challenges, but forces remain on high alert.
The recent spate of anti-terror operations indicates increased movement of militants in Jammu’s upper regions, prompting enhanced vigil by security forces. Intelligence inputs suggest attempts by terrorist groups to re-establish bases in areas that have remained largely peaceful in recent years. The army and police continue to coordinate closely to pre-empt any threats and ensure regional stability.
