Gemini said
Security forces eliminated three terrorists affiliated with the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit on Sunday during a fierce encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. This operation brings the total number of JeM terrorists killed in the Jammu region to seven so far this year.
Operation Trashi I in Kishtwar
The encounter took place in the rugged Passerkoot area of the Chatroo belt as part of Operation Trashi-I. Based on precise intelligence from the J&K Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Army sources, a joint team of the White Knight Corps, CRPF, and police moved in to neutralize the group.
The terrorists were found hiding in a mud house at the base of a hill. When search parties approached, the militants opened fire, triggering an intense gunfight. During the exchange, the structure caught fire and was completely destroyed. Security forces later recovered three charred bodies along with two AK-47 rifles and other ammunition.
Top JeM Commander Eliminated
While formal identification is ongoing, preliminary assessments suggest that one of the deceased is Saifullah, a notorious Pakistani JeM commander.
Saifullah had reportedly infiltrated the region five years ago and was the mastermind behind several deadly attacks, including a July 2024 ambush that killed four soldiers. Despite escaping several previous encounters, the Army’s “swift and precise” action on Sunday ended his run.
Army Reaffirms Resolve
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma praised the troops for their persistence in the region’s challenging terrain and harsh weather. In a statement on X, the White Knight Corps emphasized their commitment to a terror free Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “The hunt continues those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary.”
The Chatroo forest belt has become a flashpoint for conflict, with six gunfights occurring since mid-January. This year’s successful operations also include the elimination of terrorists in Udhampur on February 4 and Kathua on January 23.
Security Crackdown Continues
In a separate incident on Saturday night, police detained a truck driver in Samba district. During a routine check at Pangdour Chowk, investigators found several Pakistani contact numbers on the driver’s phone. The truck was traveling toward Kashmir, and an investigation is underway to determine if there are links to terror networks.
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