Was a JeM Commander Among the Two Terrorists Killed in Kishtwar Encounter?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jammu, Feb 22 (NationPress) A high-ranking commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group was among two terrorists eliminated by joint forces during an encounter in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.
The Army's White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, announced on X, "TWO TERRORISTS KILLED | OPERATION TRASHI-1 In response to reliable intelligence gathered from #JKP, #IB, and our own intelligence channels, a coordinated operation was initiated in the Kishtwar area under Operation Trashi-I to trace and neutralize terrorists operating locally."
"After establishing successful contact earlier, CIF Delta troops of #WhiteKnightCorps, in collaboration with @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists around 11:00 AM in challenging terrain. With tactical precision and seamless coordination, the troops dominated the encounter site, resulting in the successful neutralization of two terrorists. Military-grade equipment, including two AK-47 rifles, was also recovered," the post elaborated.
The Army confirmed that the "hunt is ongoing," emphasizing that those who attempt to disrupt peace will find no refuge.
“We Serve, We protect!" read the post.
According to officials, one prominent JeM commander was killed during the firefight involving a joint task force of J&K Police, two Para units from the Army, and the CRPF.
"However, the body of the deceased terrorist is in the process of being retrieved," officials stated.
This marks the second encounter in this region within the month, with a previous gunfight occurring in the same densely wooded area on February 4.
Over the past year, more than a dozen encounters have transpired between security forces and militants in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.
It's believed that a group of foreign terrorists is active in the region, frequently relocating between Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur districts.
The Army, along with J&K Police and the CRPF, is on a persistent pursuit of this group of Pakistani terrorists, which has forced the militants to keep shifting locations instead of targeting the security forces.
During his last visit to Jammu on February 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued clear directives for the eradication of Pakistani terrorists in the hilly districts of the Jammu division.