J-K: 1 Terrorist Killed As Forces Corner Jaish Militants In Udhampur Days Before Amarnath Yatra
One terrorist has been gunned down so far in an ongoing counter-terror operation launched jointly by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Basantgarh region of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. This operation comes just days ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Himalayas, prompting heightened security measures across the region.
"Op BIHALI Update In the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralized till now.#Operation continues," Army's White Knight Corps informed on X.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, the operation began early Thursday morning in the remote Bihali area following actionable intelligence. The encounter, codenamed Operation Bihali, is being carried out despite heavy rainfall and dense fog.
Four Jaish Terrorists Tracked for Over a Year
According to PTI, officials revealed that four terrorists affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are trapped in a densely forested stretch and are being engaged by forces on the ground. These militants have reportedly been under surveillance for the past year.
“Contact was established with the terrorists around 8.30 am… they are believed to be four in number and we have been tracking (this group) for the last one year,” Inspector General of Police, Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti told reporters at an event, as quoted by PTI.
Despite adverse weather hampering visibility, the operation is progressing with reinforcements rushed to the area. Officials said the group was spotted hiding near the Karoor nallah by a joint party led by the Army’s para commandos.
In a post shared by the Army’s White Knight Corps on X (formerly Twitter), the force confirmed that a joint search mission was underway and direct contact with the terrorists had been made.
“Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and J&K Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress,” the post read.
Meanwhile, a separate overnight search mission was conducted in the Purmandal area of Samba district after reports of suspicious movement. However, PTI reported that the operation concluded without any recovery or confrontation.
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