Three Terrorists Neutralized in Separate Jammu Forest Operations
Security forces achieved significant success in Jammu and Kashmir's Jammu division on Wednesday, eliminating three terrorists in separate encounters across snow-covered forest areas. Among those killed was a commander of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist outfit, according to official sources.
Udhampur Operation: JeM Commander Eliminated
In the mountainous Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, approximately 65 kilometers northeast of Jammu city, security forces launched a precise seek-and-shoot operation on Tuesday based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation targeted terrorists hiding in the challenging terrain of Jopher forest.
"A heavy exchange of fire erupted around 4 PM on Tuesday when the terrorists attempted to break through the security cordon," revealed an official familiar with the operation. Reinforcements including paratroopers and specialized dog squads were immediately deployed to seal all possible escape routes across the rugged landscape.
Throughout the night, security personnel maintained intense vigilance using advanced drone technology and ground surveillance systems. The final assault commenced at daybreak, resulting in the elimination of both terrorists.
Sources identified one of the slain terrorists as Rubani, also known as Abu Mavia, a commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit. While this identification has not been officially confirmed by authorities, intelligence sources have verified the information.
Kishtwar District: Pakistani Terrorist Neutralized
In a separate development in Kishtwar district, security forces eliminated a suspected Pakistani terrorist during a running hunt across snowbound mountains on Wednesday evening. The Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the action through their official social media account, stating it followed renewed contact with terrorists who had been on the run.
This operation marked the culmination of an extensive pursuit that began on January 18, when a clash erupted at Sonnar village near Mandral–Singhpora, located south of Kishtwar town. That initial engagement resulted in the tragic loss of one paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers, with terrorists managing to escape through dense vegetation and challenging ridgelines.
Security forces had been systematically combing the Sanjinala–Dichhar axis within Chingam forest, part of the rugged Chatroo belt approximately 190 kilometers northeast of Jammu. This area has remained under deep snow cover for several weeks, creating additional operational challenges.
The terrorist group was intercepted again several kilometers away on January 22, though contact was temporarily broken. Two additional gunfights followed on January 26 and January 31, even as snowfall exceeded two feet across upper reaches, significantly slowing movement but not deterring the determined search operations.
Operational Challenges and Success
These operations demonstrate the remarkable resilience and capability of Indian security forces operating under extremely challenging conditions. The combination of heavy snowfall, rugged mountainous terrain, and dense forest cover presented significant obstacles that were successfully overcome through strategic planning and execution.
The use of advanced surveillance technology, including drones and ground monitoring systems, proved crucial in maintaining continuous pressure on the terrorist elements. The deployment of specialized forces such as paratroopers and dog squads further enhanced operational effectiveness in these difficult environments.
These successful operations represent a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region and underscore the continued vigilance and effectiveness of India's security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir.
