Security Forces Launch Operation in Kathua's Remote Village
Security forces initiated a joint search operation in Najote, a remote village within Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, on Tuesday. The operation commenced after authorities received credible information indicating the possible presence of terrorists in the area.
Exchange of Fire Reported During Search
Officials confirmed that intermittent firing broke out during the operation. Suspected terrorists opened fire upon spotting the search party, prompting security forces to return fire in retaliation. The area lies close to the Kamadh Nallah in the Kahog forest belt, where an encounter had previously occurred on January 7.
An official stated, "Intermittent firing was reported from Najote forest area in Billawar, approximately 10 kilometers from Kamadh Nallah." Following the exchange, security personnel fortified the cordon around the area and continued their hunt for the terrorists throughout the day.
Senior Officials Monitor the Situation
Deputy Inspector General (Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range) Shiv Kumar Sharma and Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma were present at the location. They closely monitored the ongoing operation until late Tuesday evening. However, officials reported that no further contact with the terrorists was established after the initial firing.
Suspected Drone Sightings in Rajouri District
In a separate development on the same evening, officials reported at least two suspected drone-like objects hovering near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.
Objects Spotted Over Villages
Around 7:35 PM, these objects were observed over Dheri Dhara village under the Manjakote police station jurisdiction. The drones subsequently moved towards Kalali village before disappearing from sight.
In another incident, Army personnel stationed at the Dungagala infiltration gap under the Chingus police post in Rajouri spotted additional drones around 7 PM. Security forces believe these drones originated from Pakistan. The Army personnel opened fire at the flying objects, causing them to vanish from the area.
These sightings have raised concerns among security officials, who continue to maintain heightened vigilance along the border regions.
