Security Forces Uncover Three Terror Hideouts in Kathua District
Security forces have successfully busted three terror hideouts in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Officials confirmed the discoveries on Friday during an ongoing joint operation.
Operation Timeline and Locations
The first hideout was uncovered in the Kamad Nallah area on January 8. Two additional hideouts were found in Billawar on Friday. Billawar lies approximately 80 kilometers away from the initial discovery site.
A massive cordon-and-search operation has been active in the region since January 7. The operation spans multiple areas including Kamad Nallah, Kalaban, Dhanu Parole, and Billawar. Security forces launched this effort to track and eliminate fleeing terrorists based on intelligence inputs and reported sightings of terror suspects.
Intensified Efforts Following Gunfight
The operation intensified after a brief gunfight erupted between troops and ultras in the forested belt of Najote on January 7. Over the past week, security forces have expanded their search efforts significantly.
During searches in Kamad Nallah, holed-up terrorists opened fire at the troops. This triggered a gun battle that lasted through the night. Subsequently, security forces detected one terrorist hideout early on January 8.
From this hideout, forces recovered two empty M4 cartridges. They also found a plastic box containing desi ghee and a polythene packet of almonds. Additional items included hand gloves, a cap, a blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, a small pouch, and a polythene bag.
Expanded Search and Additional Discoveries
The operation continued with the cordon expanding to cover over a dozen villages and surrounding areas. Additional troops and reinforcements were rushed in to support the effort.
On Friday, security forces busted two more hideouts in Billawar's Kalikhad and Kalaban areas. Recoveries from these locations included:
- A cooking gas cylinder
- Cooking oil
- Charger wire
- Hand gloves
- Cooking and eating utensils
- An empty oil gallon
- Large plastic bags
- A torch
- Blankets
- Containers and wrappers of eatables
- Other miscellaneous items
Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma stated that the operation remains underway. Security forces continue their vigilant search across the district.
