The Army initiated an operation in April/May last year to eradicate a significant terrorist group in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. This operation persisted through challenging weather conditions, resulting in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists in April 2025. The latest member, known as ‘Saifullah’, and his associate ‘Adil’ were among the remaining terrorists who were on the run.
Based on intelligence collaboration from various sources, including J&K Police and the Intelligence Bureau, a Joint Counter Terrorist Operation named Operation Trashi-I was launched on January 14 in the Chhatroo, Kishtwar region. Troops from Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, under White Knight Corps, along with Assam Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force, participated in this operation to track and neutralize the terrorists.
On January 18, 2026, security forces made contact with the terror group and dismantled their well-prepared hideout. Subsequent pursuits led to the elimination of terrorists, with one neutralized in Operation Trashi-1 and two in a separate Operation, Op Kiya, on February 4, 2026. The Security Forces continued their relentless efforts to eliminate the remaining terrorists following these encounters.
The terrorists were engaged on February 22, 2026, with Security Forces showcasing tactical precision and operational efficiency. After a month-long operation, all four hardcore terrorists were neutralized by the security forces in a challenging terrain. The encounter site, where three terrorists were neutralized, was cordoned off by the security forces on the night of February 21-22, with zero casualties among the troops.
The Army emphasized the role of its trained Dog ‘Tyson’ in identifying the terrorists’ presence, despite Tyson getting injured during the encounter. War-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, were recovered along with the bodies of the slain terrorists. Real-time surveillance drones and night vision equipment were utilized to track and contain terrorist movements effectively.
In the past 20 days, CIF (D), under the White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in coordination with JKP and CRPF, eliminated six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in its Area of Responsibility. The Army plans to continue intelligence-based operations, sustain operational momentum, and uphold dominance in its Area of Responsibility.
