Kishtwar operation resumes, day after 8 soldiers were injured in encounter

The operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, where two groups — one led by Saifullah and the other by Adil, both Pakistani nationals — have been active for nearly two years.

At least three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists are believed to be holed up in the forests, and reinforcements have been rushed to the area. Senior security force and police officials have also reached the spot.

Sources said nearly 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the mountainous forests of Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Chenab Valley region, prompting security forces and police to step up counter-terror operations during winter, when heavy snowfall in the higher reaches restricts terrorist movement.

Operations have also 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 in Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts over the past few days, prompting police and security forces to launch combing and search operations.

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