Two terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed during a joint security operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, as security forces continued search and surveillance activities in the surrounding forest area.
The operation was conducted in the Brattal Sohan and Khubban forest areas of Majalta, close to the Kathua district border. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) joined the operation after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the area.
According to officials, the operation began during the intervening night of September 16 and 17. Security personnel had to operate through dense forest terrain, heavy rainfall and poor visibility while establishing a cordon around the suspected area.
The Army said that despite the difficult conditions, its troops, along with J&K Police and CRPF personnel, established contact with the terrorists. Intermittent firing and explosions were reported during the operation before the security forces engaged the terrorists during the subsequent exchange of fire.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police identified the two slain terrorists as Saddam and Mustafa, describing them as Pakistani nationals affiliated with JeM. Security forces subsequently recovered weapons and ammunition from the encounter site, including an AK-series assault rifle, an M4 carbine, a Glock pistol and grenades.
A local man suspected of being an over-ground worker (OGW) was also detained during the operation. Officials said the individual was being questioned over suspected logistical assistance to the terrorists, including possible support related to movement, food and shelter.
Following the encounter, additional security personnel were deployed in the area as combing and surveillance operations continued. Security forces are using ground-based searches and surveillance measures to check the surrounding forest terrain for any remaining threat.
The Udhampur operation highlights the challenges faced by security forces while conducting counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous and heavily forested areas. The difficult terrain and weather conditions can make movement, surveillance and area domination particularly challenging.
Officials said the search operation would continue until the area is thoroughly checked and any possible remaining threat is ruled out.
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