7 security forces personnel injured in gunfight with terrorists in J-K’s Kishtwar

“Contact was established with terrorists in the general area Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations alongwith Jammu and Kashmir police,” the Army’s White Knight Corps posted on X.

“Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions. Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies,” it said.

Sources said the searches were initiated during the early morning hours as part of Operation Trashi, which had been launched by security forces and the police following inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

This is the first major encounter in Jammu and Kashmir in the new year. According to sources, two terrorist groups comprising seven members are believed to be active in the area — one led by Saifullah Balochi and the other by Adil, both Pakistani nationals.

Sources said that nearly 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the forests of the mountainous Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Chenab Valley region of J&K. In efforts to neutralise them, security forces and police have stepped up their counter-terror operations in the winter as terrorists have less area to move around due to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches.

Moreover, operations have been intensified ahead of Republic Day across the Jammu region, which has witnessed multiple drone intrusions from across the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC).

There have also been reports of terrorist movement at various locations in Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts during the past few days, prompting police and security forces to launch combing and search operations.

In the past week, security forces and the police have busted three terrorist hideouts in the forests near Kathua district’s Billawar area.