Security forces reported the killing of three terrorists and the recovery of arms, including an M4 rifle and an AK rifle, during an ongoing operation in Kishtwar’s Chhatru forest, Jammu and Kashmir.

In a joint press conference at 5 Sector Assam Rifles Headquarters, Brigadier J.B.S. Rathi, Commander of 5 Sector Assam Rifles, and DIG Shridhar Patil of the Kishtwar-Doda-Ramban Range said the operation, launched on April 9 based on intelligence inputs, involves the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Despite challenging terrain and weather, one terrorist was neutralized on April 11 and two on April 12.

Security forces have neutralized three Pakistani terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Saifullah, in a critical operation in the Naidgam forests of Chatroo, Kishtwar. The mission, executed by a joint team of the Army’s elite Para units (2, 5, and 9), CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, started on April 9 and concluded on Friday. Saifullah, active in Doda, Kishtwar, and Anantnag, orchestrated multiple deadly attacks between July and November 2024, killing Army personnel, civilians, and Village Defence Guards, including Captain Thappa and Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar. Security officials reported one terrorist was eliminated early Friday, with two others killed later. Each carried a ₹5 lakh bounty. The terrorists were concealed in snow-laden, densely forested mountains, tracked using helicopters. Arms, ammunition, and explosives were seized from the site.

Patil emphasized a broader strategy to curb terrorism, with increased surveillance and domination in Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur. Technologies like drones, facial recognition, and vehicle scanners are in use to monitor movement and prevent infiltration.

The officers urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security forces.