Three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists killed in gunfights with security forces in Udhampur, Kishtwar

In a major success for the security forces, three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed on Wednesday in two separate encounters in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district and Kishtwar.

Two of these terrorists had been holed up in natural caves in the Basantgarh forests since Tuesday afternoon.

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The joint operation ‘KIYA’ was being carried out by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army has confirmed the killing of three terrorists.

Confirming neutralisation of the two terrorists in Basantgarh, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said, “Based on specific intelligence input provided by J&K Police, troops of Counter Infiltration Force (CIF) Delta, White Knight Corps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the general area of Jophar forest, Basantgarh (J&K) in coordination with JKP and CRPF, reinforcing the cordon, ensuring effective area domination to prevent escape of terrorists”.

“Contact with terrorists was established yesterday, and since then, terrorists were prevented from breaking contact. Following a calibrated and coordinated response, two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. The operation highlighted seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision and high standards of professionalism. Operation concluded successfully. Area remains under surveillance”.

After the overnight lull, a fresh exchange of fire and deafening explosions rocked the area around 7.30 pm when the holed-up terrorists attempted to flee under the cover of darkness.

Army reinforcements, including paratroopers and dog squads, were rushed in to further tighten the cordon.
Security forces had early this morning prepared for a final assault on the two JeM terrorists, with no exchange of fire reported during the night.

A cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the killed terrorists.
Giving details of the ‘Tarashi-1’ Operation in Kishtwar, the White Knight Corps said, “In the continuing search and elimination of terrorists in the Kishtwar region, where the hunt has already led to several contacts in the dense forests and challenging terrain, contact was re-established with the terrorists on the run in the ongoing joint Operation Trashi-I, by the troops of CIF Delta #WhiteKnightCorps, @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF at around 5.45 pm today in the general area of Dichhar, Kishtwar”.

“One terrorist has been successfully neutralised. Operation is in progress”.

Lt General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander Northern Command, has complimented the White Knight Corps for their swift & precise action to neutralise the terrorists in the challenging terrain and weather conditions.

“Northern Command remains committed to ensuring a terror-free Jammu-Kashmir”, he added.
Meanwhile, security agencies have been put on high alert after another Pakistani balloon was recovered in the Nad area of Samba district, raising concerns amid a series of similar incidents reported over the past few days.