How Did Eight Army Soldiers Get Injured in an Encounter with Terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar?
Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, eight Army soldiers were injured during a fierce gunfight with foreign terrorists. As the operation unfolds, security forces intensify their efforts to neutralize the threat amidst rising tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
Eight soldiers injured in a terrorist encounter in Kishtwar.
Operation underway to neutralize terrorists.
Increased security operations ahead of Republic Day .
Joint forces engaged in multiple encounters this year.
Continued efforts to prevent infiltration from across the LoC.
Jammu, Jan 18 (NationPress) Eight Army soldiers were injured on Sunday during a confrontation with terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by an official.
Officials indicated that the combined forces initiated a CASO (cordon and search operation) in Sonar village, situated in the Chhatru area of Kishtwar, following intelligence regarding a group of terrorists concealed in the vicinity.
One of the search teams encountered a cluster of two to three foreign terrorists, allegedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group, who opened fire indiscriminately and hurled grenades in an effort to breach the cordon.
“In response, the troops retaliated, and reinforcements from the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police were deployed to tighten the cordon further. Intermittent firing ensued between both parties until 5:40 p.m.
“Eight soldiers sustained injuries and were subsequently evacuated to a hospital. The majority of them suffered splinter injuries due to the grenade explosion.
“A comprehensive search operation is currently underway to locate and neutralize the terrorists. Advanced surveillance tools, including drones and sniffer dogs, have been employed to expedite the operation,” officials confirmed.
This marks the third clash between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region this year, with previous encounters reported in Kahog and Najote forests in the Billawar area of Kathua district on January 7 and 13.
On December 15 of the previous year, a police officer lost his life in an encounter with terrorists at Soan village in the Majalta region of Udhampur district.
The terrorists managed to flee, utilizing the dense foliage and darkness to their advantage. These encounters followed a significant counter-terrorism operation launched in the forested areas of Jammu in December to flush out approximately three dozen entrenched terrorists.
Operations have intensified ahead of Republic Day to ensure peaceful celebrations, amid intelligence reports suggesting attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to infiltrate more terrorists into the region, officials noted.
The Army’s Nagrota-based White Knight Corps stated earlier on X, “Operation Trashi-I: Contact was established with terrorists in the general vicinity of Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations alongside @JmuKmrPolice.
“Troops exhibited exceptional professionalism and determination while responding to hostile fire in challenging terrain and conditions. Operations continue with additional forces deployed to reinforce the cordon, aided by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies.”
The hilly districts of the Jammu division, including Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur, and Reasi, have been under close surveillance by security forces following intelligence indicating the movement of Pakistani terrorists in the heavily forested mountainous terrain.
Numerous times, joint forces have engaged terrorists in Kathua, Udhampur, and other districts in persistent encounters; however, terrorists have often managed to escape from the encircled areas, taking cover in the densely forested regions and under the cover of darkness.
During a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on January 8, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, the presence of terrorists in the hilly districts of Jammu was thoroughly discussed.
Home Minister Shah issued clear directives for coordinated, sustained, and intelligence-backed operations to eliminate terrorists from the hilly areas and ensure zero infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The LoC spans 740 km, while the IB extends 240 km in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army is responsible for guarding the LoC, while the Border Security Force (BSF) manages the IB.
The LoC is located in the Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts of the Valley, and partly in the Jammu district. The IB is found in Samba, Kathua, and Jammu districts within the Jammu division.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir remains a critical issue that demands unwavering attention. The rising number of encounters signifies the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups, and it is paramount that security forces, alongside civil administration, continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the region's residents.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir?
Eight Army soldiers were injured during an encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar, following a cordon and search operation.
Who were the terrorists involved in the attack?
The terrorists were reportedly from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit.
What actions are being taken by security forces?
A massive search operation is underway to locate and neutralize the terrorists, employing advanced surveillance equipment.
How many encounters have occurred this year?
This is the third encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region this year.
What is the significance of this incident?
It highlights the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir amid rising tensions and attempts at infiltration.
