In a major counter-terror success, security forces eliminated three Pakistani terrorists, including top Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Saifullah, in a high-stakes operation in the dense Naidgam forests of Chatroo, Kishtwar. The operation, conducted by a joint team of the Army’s elite Para units (2, 5, and 9), CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, began on April 9 and culminated on Friday.
Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Saifullah, operating in Doda, Kishtwar, and Anantnag, planned several fatal attacks between July and November 2024, which claimed the lives of Army men, civilians, and Village Defence Guards. His ambushes and encounters left a trail of destruction, including the killing of Captain Thappa and Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, among others
Security officials confirmed that one terrorist was neutralized in the early hours, followed by the elimination of two others later in the day. Each had a bounty of ₹5 lakh on their heads. The terrorists were hiding in snow-covered mountains with dense forest cover, where helicopters were deployed to trace their movements. Arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the site.
Simultaneously, anti-terror operations were launched in Udhampur and Kishtwar to track down other members of the group believed to have infiltrated through the Hiranagar sector in Kathua recently.
In a chilling incident on Wednesday night, three armed terrorists, suspected to be from Jaish, entered a home in Basantgarh, Udhampur. They stole food, clothing, a mobile phone, and supplies before fleeing. A similar incident occurred on April 3 in Chore Panjwa-Khabbal area, where terrorists held a family hostage.
These activities have triggered massive search operations since March 23, when terrorists were first spotted in Hiranagar’s Saniyal forests. Earlier, on March 27, two terrorists and four policemen were killed during an encounter in Kathua’s Sufain forest.
Meanwhile, in Akhnoor’s Keri Battal sector, the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire in an attempt to aid terrorist infiltration. During the exchange of fire, JCO Kuldeep Singh was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries. The Indian Army responded strongly and is expected to issue a formal statement soon.
