Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces kill Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Kishtwar encounter

Jammu: Two terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed in an encounter with security forces in a remote area of ​​Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The India Army said the terrorists were killed during Operation Trashi-I in the Passerkut area of ​​the Chatroo belt, and weapons and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, were recovered from them.

How was the operation launched?

According to a statement from the Indian Army, based on credible intelligence inputs received from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and its own intelligence sources, a well-planned joint operation was launched by the security fores in the Kishtwar area under Operation Trashi-I to track and neutralize terrorists active in the area. The Indian Army's White Knight Corps said in a post on X, "Following the earlier successful contact, troops of CIF (Counter-Intelligence Force) Delta, in coordination with the police and CRPF, engaged the terrorists again in a difficult terrain at around 11 am today."

According to reports, top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Saifullah, who had been on the run from the security forces for some time now, has been killed in the encounter in Chatroo, Kishtwar.

What did the Indian Army say?

The Indian Army stated that, demonstrating tactical precision, seamless coordination, and unwavering resolve, the troops captured the encounter site, successfully neutralizing two terrorists. It added, "The hunt continues - those who seek to disturb peace will find no refuge." Citing initial information, officials said the two killed terrorists were Pakistani nationals and members of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The terrorists were found hiding inside a mud house at the foot of the hills. They said they attacked a hill and opened fire on the approaching search party, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Officials said a search operation was still underway in the area. Last month, nearly half a dozen exchanges of fire broke out between militants and security forces in the Chatroo forest area, leaving a soldier and a militant dead. With the killing of two militants on Sunday, a total of six JeM militants have been killed by security forces in separate encounters in the Jammu region this year. Earlier, two militants were killed in Udhampur and one in Kathua district.