In a major counter-terrorism achievement, security forces on Friday neutralised a high-ranking Pakistani terrorist affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit during an encounter in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which resulted in the elimination of the dreaded militant, represents a significant blow to terror networks operating in the region.
Joint Operation Leads to Elimination of Wanted Terrorist
Inspector General of Police for the Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed that the terrorist was gunned down during a meticulously planned joint operation conducted in the general area of Billawar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police collaborated closely with the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to execute this successful mission against terrorism.
"A Pakistani Jaish terrorist has been neutralised by a small JKP team in a joint operation with the Army and CRPF in the general area of Billawar," stated the Jammu police chief in an official communication on social media platform X.
Identity and Recovery of Arms
Officials identified the eliminated terrorist as JeM commander Usman, who also operated under the alias "Abu Maviya." During the operation conducted in the remote village of Parhetar, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including a sophisticated M4 automatic rifle, from the deceased militant.
The Army's Rising Star Corps provided additional details, noting: "Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Joint Operation was launched by Army and Police on 23 Jan in general area Parhetar. Area was cordoned and contact established. In a precise strike by the joint forces, 1 (one) foreign terrorist has been eliminated." The military formation further indicated that search operations were continuing as of the latest reports.
Background of the Eliminated Terrorist
Usman was reportedly one of the most wanted JeM terrorists active in the Udhampur-Kathua belt for the past several years, having infiltrated into Indian territory from across the border. He had managed to evade capture during multiple previous encounters, including recent operations on January 7 in Kahog forests and January 13 in Najote forests.
According to officials, the joint search party encountered resistance when they raided a house and came under fire from the hiding terrorist late Friday afternoon. The security personnel responded swiftly and decisively, engaging in close combat that resulted in the terrorist's death. The entire encounter lasted only a few minutes, yet its outcome represents a substantial breakthrough for counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ongoing Operations in Kishtwar District
Meanwhile, security forces continued their intensive anti-terror operation for the sixth consecutive day on Friday in the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district. The operation targets three JeM terrorists hiding in Sonnar, Mandral-Singhpora, and adjacent forest areas. Despite challenging weather conditions including snowfall, the security personnel maintained their pursuit of the militants.
This operation, designated by the Army as 'Operation Trashi-I', began on Sunday and has already seen significant developments:
- A gunfight that resulted in the death of one paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers, primarily from splinter injuries caused by a sudden grenade attack
- Another encounter on Thursday where terrorists managed to escape due to thick vegetation and difficult terrain
- The busting of a major terrorist hideout on Monday
Broader Counter-Terrorism Context
The recent encounters follow a major counter-terrorist operation launched in December last year across the forest belts of the Jammu region, aimed at flushing out approximately three dozen holed-up terrorists. Security operations have been further intensified in the lead-up to Republic Day celebrations, as intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan-based handlers are making desperate attempts to push more terrorists into Indian territory.
These coordinated efforts by security forces demonstrate a sustained commitment to maintaining peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during sensitive periods when terrorist activities typically see an uptick. The successful neutralisation of a top JeM commander in Kathua represents not just an operational victory but also a psychological blow to terror networks attempting to destabilise the region.
