Jammu, February 23 (NationPress) - The Indian Army announced on Monday that operations aimed at dismantling a significant terrorist faction in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir commenced in April/May of the previous year.

According to the Army's press release, "A substantial terrorist group in the region has faced continuous pursuit by security forces. Operations initiated in April/May last year persisted despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and snow. A successful engagement with the group led to the neutralization of three notorious terrorists in April 2025. The last remaining members, identified by their codenames 'Saifullah' and 'Adil', along with two others, were still evading capture."

The statement further detailed that a collaborative intelligence assessment involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Army's own resources led to the initiation of a Joint Counter Terrorism (CT) Operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, which began on January 14 in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar.

This operation aimed to locate and eliminate the terrorists in the region, executed by the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, part of the White Knight Corps, in close collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force.

Describing the operation's progress, the Army stated, "On January 18, 2026, engagement with the terrorist group was established, leading to the discovery and dismantling of their well-fortified hideout. The continued pursuit resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist, code-named Adil, on February 4, 2026, during Op Trashi-1, alongside two others in a different operation, Op Kiya, on the same day. Following this contact, security forces maintained their relentless efforts to eliminate the remaining terrorists."

"The terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hours on February 22, 2026. Demonstrating exceptional tactical precision, seamless coordination among agencies, and operational efficiency, security forces—including JKP and CRPF—vigorously pursued the terrorist faction through challenging terrain and harsh weather. The dedicated efforts of the security forces over this extensive operation, lasting over a month, resulted in the neutralization of all four hardcore terrorists," the Army elaborated.

The encounter site, where three terrorists were successfully neutralized on steep mountain slopes, was secured by the security forces during the night of February 21-22.

The troops showcased remarkable tactical precision and speed, achieving zero casualties among their personnel.

The Army acknowledged the contribution of its trained canine, 'Tyson', who bravely entered the hideout to confirm the terrorists' presence. During the encounter, Tyson sustained injuries from enemy fire.

"During the operation, a cache of war-like materials was uncovered, including three AK-47 rifles and the bodies of the deceased terrorists. This operation exemplified the effective coordination between the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, especially the SOG. Reinforcements, including special forces, were swiftly deployed," the statement asserted.

Real-time surveillance drones and night vision technology were employed by the Army to monitor and restrict terrorist movements, thwarting any potential escape attempts.

"CIF (D), under the White Knight Corps, Northern Command, has effectively eliminated six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in its Area of Responsibility over the past 20 days, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF based on intelligence from various sources. The formation will persist in conducting intelligence-driven operations to maintain operational momentum and dominance in the area," the media statement concluded.