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  3. 3 Jaish terrorists ‘holed up’ after exchanging fire with security forces in J-K’s Kishtwar

The incident took place during a joint search operation by the armed forces and police in Kishtwar’s Chhatru

Written by Arun Sharma Jammu | Updated: January 18, 2026 08:18 PM IST

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jaish terroristsSources said the searches in the area were initiated in the early morning hours as part of Operation Trashi, which was launched by both the security forces and police following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists. (Representational image enhanced by ChatGPT)

Three terrorists owing allegiance to Jaish-e-Mohammad were believed to be holed up in the Singhpura area of Chhatru in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after security forces and police made contact with them during a joint operation on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

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“Contact was established with terrorists in the general area [of] Son Nar, northeast of Chhatru, during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of ongoing joint counter-terror operations along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police,” said the Army’s Nagrota-based White Knight Corps on its X handle.

It further said, “Troops displayed exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions. Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies.”

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Sources said the searches in the area were initiated in the early morning hours as part of Operation Trashi, which was launched by both the security forces and police following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists.

The exchange of fire with terrorists in the Chhatru is the first such incident in 2026 and the second in around two months.

According to officials, two terrorist groups comprising seven members are believed to be active in the area — one led by Saifullah Balochi and the other by Adil, both Pakistani nationals.

Sources said that nearly 35 Pakistani terrorists are believed to be hiding in the forests of the mountainous Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Chenab Valley region of J&K. In efforts to neutralise them, the security forces and police have stepped up their counter-terror operations during the winter, when terrorists have less area to move around due to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches.