Jaish Commander Eliminated in Kathua After Police Rescue Hostages
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Jammu and Kashmir police successfully neutralized Usman, a self-styled commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group, in Kathua district on Friday. The encounter was marked by a critical hostage rescue mission, where police first ensured the safety of civilians before engaging the militant.
Hostage Situation and Rescue Operation
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, security forces, including the CRPF and J&K police teams, moved into Parhetar village in Kathua following intelligence about Usman's hideout. The terrorist was holed up in a house, holding residents hostage. Police prioritized rescuing these civilians, moving them to safety before confronting Usman. A gunfight ensued, and a small police team entered the room where Usman was positioned.
During the confrontation, Usman opened fire, but police personnel managed to snatch his weapon and shot him dead. The M4 rifle he was using has been seized as evidence. This operation highlights the coordinated efforts of security forces to minimize civilian casualties in high-risk scenarios.
Background and Previous Activities of Usman
Usman had been active in the Jammu and Kashmir region since 2024 and was implicated in six incidents of violence, including attacks on security forces and police personnel. His elimination is a major blow to terrorist activities in the area. Police first established contact with him on January 7 in Kamad Nullah near Billawar, but he escaped into dense forests, evading capture temporarily.
In the subsequent manhunt, police and security forces teams scoured the forests, busting three hideouts used by Usman. Two of these were natural caves, and one was man-made, indicating his efforts to maintain a covert presence. The persistence of security forces in tracking him down underscores the ongoing challenges in counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Broader Security Context in Jammu and Kashmir
Meanwhile, security operations continue in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. In Kishtwar, searches are ongoing in the forests of Chhatru's upper reaches, where an encounter last week resulted in the death of one Havildar and injuries to seven Army personnel. This incident was part of Operation Trashi-1, launched at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet based on intelligence about terrorist presence.
During these searches, security forces discovered an underground hideout capable of accommodating four people at a time. They seized a substantial cache of ration stores, including basmati rice, atta bags, spices, Maggi, biscuits, and dry fruit packets. Such findings reveal the logistical support networks that terrorists rely on, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
The elimination of Usman and the ongoing operations reflect the relentless efforts of Indian security forces to combat terrorism and ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir. These actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting civilians and dismantling terrorist infrastructures across the region.
