A prolonged high-altitude counter-terrorism operation in the mountainous terrain of Kishtwar has concluded with security forces eliminating all seven Pakistani terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), including the high-value self-styled commander Saifullah, in the Chatroo area, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army announced on Monday.
The Army also released a group photograph of the eliminated terrorists. Saifullah and two other terrorists were killed during a gunfight yesterday.
The joint operation, conducted over 326 days, involved sustained tracking of militant movements across dense forests and steep ridgelines under harsh weather conditions marked by freezing temperatures, rain and snowfall. Forces reported multiple encounters during the mission.
Troops of the White Knight Corps, working alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), carried out the operation on the basis of a coordinated intelligence grid developed by civil and military intelligence agencies.
Officials said advanced technological support played a crucial role in the success of the operation. Surveillance tools such as FPV drones, satellite imagery, remotely piloted aircraft and secure communication networks were continuously deployed to monitor terrorist activity and guide ground troops in difficult terrain.
The sustained pursuit culminated in the elimination of Saifullah and his associates, marking a significant operational achievement in the region’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The White Knight Corps wrote on X: “Relentless and painstaking high-altitude joint operations were conducted over 326 days in the Kishtwar region. Forces tracked terrorists in challenging conditions of cold, wet and freezing weather across daunting terrain, leading to multiple contacts. Troops of White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF, based on a well-knit intelligence grid established by civil and military intelligence agencies, have finally eliminated all seven dreaded terrorists in Chatroo, Kishtwar.”
A joint counter-terrorist operation, codenamed Operation TRASHI-I, was launched on 14 January in the Chhatroo region by troops of Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under the White Knight Corps, including the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with the J&K Police and CRPF, to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area.
“Technology in the form of FPV drones, satellite imagery, RPAs/UAVs and secure communications was continuously leveraged to assist operations. The relentless pursuit and resolve of our forces, culminating in the elimination of Saifullah and his associates, proves that nothing can stand against the determination, courage and valour of our men in uniform and intelligence agencies,” the White Knight Corps added.
Northern Army Commander Pratik Sharma commended the commanders and troops involved for their persistence, professionalism and courage. He praised the swift and precise action taken during Operation TRASHI-I and highlighted the determination of forces operating under challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Saifullah, who had been evading security forces for nearly three years after infiltrating from Pakistan, was considered one of the most wanted terrorists operating in the mountainous belt of the Jammu region.
Security agencies said he was active across several districts, including Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur and Kathua, where he was involved in planning and executing a series of attacks on security personnel and civilians over the past year.
Originally a resident of Pakistan, Saifullah had infiltrated into Indian territory to strengthen the JeM network in the Chenab Valley region comprising Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar, and revive terror activity in the hilly areas of Udhampur and Kathua.
He played a key role in cross-border infiltration logistics, coordinated the movement of terrorists, arranged transportation to hideouts and helped plan attacks. He was also instrumental in building a network of over-ground workers (OGWs) to support terrorist operations.