JAMMU: Three members of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said.
The terrorists were neutralised during the “Trashi-I” operation in the general area of Passerkut in the Chatroo belt. The bodies of the slain ultras were charred beyond recognition after the mud house they were hiding in caught fire during the gunfight.
Preliminary assessments by security agencies suggest that one of the deceased was Saifullah, a notorious JeM commander who had reportedly infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago. He is believed to have masterminded several deadly attacks on security forces, including a July 2024 strike that left four soldiers dead. Officials said Saifullah had previously managed to escape multiple encounters.
Later in the evening, the body of the third terrorist, along with a weapon, was retrieved from the gutted hideout. Two AK-47 rifles and ammunition were also seized from the site.
In a post on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps said the operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs collated from the J&K Police, the Intelligence Bureau and its own sources. Troops of the Counter-Intelligence Force (CIF) Delta, in coordination with police and the CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists around 11 am in challenging terrain.
“Displaying tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression, the troops dominated the encounter site. The hunt continues — those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary,” the Corps said.
Northern Army Commander Pratik Sharma commended the troops for their “swift and precise” action and lauded their persistence in difficult terrain and weather conditions. He reiterated that Northern Command remains committed to ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the terrorists had opened fire on approaching search parties from inside the mud house, triggering an intense exchange. The structure caught fire during the gunfight and was completely gutted. Efforts are underway to formally identify the bodies, though intelligence inputs had indicated the presence of Saifullah and two Pakistani associates.
The Chatroo forest belt has witnessed nearly half a dozen gunfights since January 18, resulting in the killing of a soldier and a Pakistani terrorist in earlier encounters.
With Sunday’s operation, seven JeM militants have been eliminated in separate encounters in the Jammu region this year. Earlier, two terrorists were killed in the Ramanagar forest in Udhampur on February 4, and one was neutralised in Parhetar village of Kathua on January 23.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, a truck driver was detained for questioning after several Pakistani contact numbers were found on his mobile phone during checking at Pangdour Chowk in Samba district late Saturday evening. The truck was on its way to Kashmir when it was stopped at a checkpoint. Further investigation is underway, officials said.
