Security Forces Neutralize Three Terrorists in Kishtwar Forest Encounter
In a significant development, security forces successfully eliminated three terrorists during an intense gunfight in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which unfolded on Sunday, marks a critical phase in a weeks-long manhunt across the region's challenging dense forests and steep terrain, according to official statements.
Intense Combat Erupts in Chatroo Forest Belt
The confrontation erupted in the Chatroo forest belt of Kishtwar, where joint security teams, acting on precise intelligence inputs, targeted a mud house suspected of harboring terrorists. As search parties advanced and closed in on the location, the terrorists opened fire, sparking hours of relentless combat.
During the initial phase of the action, two terrorists were killed. By evening, a third body was recovered from a blown-out hideout, officials confirmed. The identities of the deceased terrorists remain unestablished at this time, with authorities continuing their investigations.
Arms and Ammunition Seized in Operation
Following the encounter, troops seized a cache of arms and ammunition, including three AK-47 rifles. This recovery underscores the operational success and the potential threat neutralized by the security forces.
The operation was spearheaded by Army units from CIF Delta, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). A spokesperson for the White Knight Corps emphasized that troops effectively "dominated" the site and re-engaged after contact was re-established on Sunday morning, highlighting the tactical precision and persistence of the forces.
Ongoing Campaign Under Operation Trashi-I
This latest action is part of a sustained campaign, code-named Operation Trashi-I, which was launched following a gunfight on January 18 that resulted in the death of a paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers. Since mid-January, Udhampur and Kishtwar districts have witnessed repeated gunfights, leading to the elimination of several terrorists, including three on February 4.
The sweep has involved multiple contacts over the past month as forces tracked a group believed to be moving between areas such as Sonnar, Janseer-Kandiwar, Dachaan, and nearby high ground. The discovery of a hideout on January 19 intensified the seek-and-shoot efforts, with security personnel maintaining relentless pressure.
In a statement, the Northern Command affirmed that operations will continue unabated to deny terrorists any sanctuary in the region, reinforcing the commitment to security and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
