Have the Dreaded Pakistani Jaish Commander Usman Been Killed in J&K’s Kathua District?
Synopsis
In a significant operation, security forces have successfully eliminated notorious Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Usman in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. This marks a crucial development in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region, as joint forces continue to keep the area secure and combat militant activities.
Key Takeaways
Usman , a Pakistani terrorist commander, has been eliminated.
The operation took place in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Joint forces including the Army , JKP, and CRPF executed the mission.
The commander had been active in the region since 2021-2022 .
Search operations are ongoing in the area.
Jammu, Jan 23 (NationPress) A notorious Pakistani terrorist commander, Usman, affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group, was eliminated by joint security forces on Friday in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement posted on X, IGP (Jammu Zone), Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed the operation, stating, "A Pakistani Jaish terrorist has been neutralised by a small team of JKP in collaboration with the Army and CRPF in the vicinity of Billawar, Kathua district."
The Army's Rising Star Corps also reported on X, "Following specific intelligence, a Joint Operation was initiated by the Army and Police on Jan 23 in the area of Parhetar, Kathua. The area was secured and contact was made. A precise strike by the joint forces resulted in the elimination of 1 Foreign Terrorist. Search operations are ongoing."
This successful anti-terror operation took place in the Billawar tehsil of Kathua district.
According to official sources, the notorious JeM commander had infiltrated into Indian territory between 2021 and 2022 and had been active for the past two years.
"He was previously identified in the Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua districts of the Jammu division. Intelligence regarding the terrorist commander's presence was gathered by the Billawar police, and in a surgical operation lasting only 10 minutes, the joint forces, comprising the army, J&K police, and CRPF, neutralised the terrorist," officials stated.
Intense encounters have occurred in the Billawar area and other parts of Kathua district previously.
On January 13, an encounter erupted in the Najote/Kahog area of Billawar after terrorists targeted a searching party, reportedly linked to a group that had recently crossed the border.
On January 16, security forces uncovered a militant hideout in the Kamad Nallah forest area, discovering supplies.
On January 7, an encounter was initiated in the Kamad Nallah/Dhanu Parole area of Billawar following intelligence about a group of 2-3 terrorists.
In June 2025, several operations by the Billawar Police led to the arrests of multiple drug traffickers, including those involved in heroin/chitta trafficking in locations such as Pallan, Dharamkot, and Katli Morh.
On June 12, two terrorists were killed by security forces in the Hiranagar area of Kathua.
On September 30, 2024, one terrorist was shot down in an encounter that occurred in the broader region of Kathua, with security forces conducting thorough searches in dense vegetation.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the elimination of terrorist commanders such as Usman marks a pivotal moment in enhancing national security. The coordinated efforts of security forces reflect a steadfast commitment to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring safety for citizens while navigating the complexities of regional stability.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the operation?
The operation led to the elimination of a key terrorist figure, signaling progress in the fight against terrorism in the region.
When did the operation take place?
The operation occurred on January 23, 2023, in the Kathua district.
What forces were involved in the operation?
The operation was conducted by joint forces, including the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF.
How long did the operation last?
The surgical operation was completed in approximately 10 minutes.
