Kishtwar, Feb 22: Security forces have eliminated six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the Kishtwar region over the past 20 days following a series of sustained, intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations, senior Army and police officials said on Saturday.
Addressing a press briefing, Major General APS Bal, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), and B S Tuti, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, said a major terror group operating in the area had been relentlessly pursued since April–May last year.
They said operations were continued despite heavy rains and snowfall during winter. In April 2025, three hardcore terrorists of the group were eliminated, while the remaining terrorists, including the group’s leader code-named Saifullah and his close associate Adil, managed to evade capture and remained on the run.
Based on a joint intelligence assessment by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau and Army sources, a joint counter-terrorist operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was launched on January 14, 2026, in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar.
They said the operation was conducted by troops of the Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) under the White Knight Corps, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force.
On January 18, contact was established with the terrorists and a well-prepared and stocked hideout was busted.
“The relentless pursuit led to the elimination of one terrorist, code-named Adil, on February 4 during Operation Trashi-I, while two other terrorists were neutralised in a separate operation, codenamed Operation Kiya, on the same day,” army told media.
The officials said security forces continued operations with determination to eliminate the remaining terrorists, who were re-engaged at around 11 am on February 22. The final encounter site, located on steep and rugged mountain slopes, had been cordoned off by security forces during the night of February 21–22.
They said the month-long operation showcased high standards of tactical precision, seamless inter-agency coordination and operational efficiency in extremely challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. All four remaining hardcore terrorists were neutralised, with no casualties reported among security forces.
The role of Army-trained dog Tyson was specially acknowledged. Tyson entered a dhok to confirm the presence of terrorists and was injured when terrorists opened fire, the officers said.
During searches of the encounter area, war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, were recovered along with the bodies of the slain terrorists. The operation, they added, reflected close coordination between the Army, CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, particularly the Special Operations Group.
Reinforcements, including special forces, were swiftly mobilised, while real-time surveillance drones and night-vision equipment were used to track and contain terrorist movement and prevent any escape.
Major General Bal said the Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), under the aegis of the White Knight Corps and Northern Command, would continue intelligence-based operations to maintain dominance in its area of responsibility and sustain operational momentum.
“Such operations will continue to ensure peace and security in the region,” he said, ending the briefing with “Jai Hind.”
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