A fierce encounter erupted late on Sunday evening between a heavily armed group of suspected pro-Pakistani Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists and a joint team of security forces in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district, located in the Jammu region.
The anti-terrorist operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, in a post on X confirmed, “Based on specific inputs, an operation was launched by the Indian Army in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress.”
Sources indicate that at least two to three terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with the banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, are currently trapped within a cordon established by the security forces in the densely forested and rugged terrain of the Khankoo forest, located between Dachhan and Nagseni in the Kishtwar district. According to official sources, the security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in the Hadal Gal area after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of Hizbul Mujahideen operatives.
The operation quickly escalated into a gunfight when the terrorists, believed to be heavily armed, opened fire on the approaching forces. A heavy volley of bullets was exchanged, and the area has been completely sealed off to prevent the terrorists’ escape.
The operation remains in progress as forces intensify efforts to neutralise the terrorists hiding in natural caves and thick jungles. The operation follows heightened security measures in the region, spurred by recent intelligence reports tracking the movements of terrorist groups in Kishtwar, an area that has seen a resurgence of militant activity over the past year. Around 40-50 terrorists are said to be active across different districts of Jammu province.
This is the second significant anti-terror operation in Kishtwar this month, following a similar joint operation on July 2 at Kanzal Mandu, where security forces, including the Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), engaged with terrorists.
On May 22, 2025, the security forces launched Operation Trashi in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, resulting in the death of one Indian Army soldier and the elimination of two terrorists in a fierce gunfight. Earlier, on April 12, 2025, three terrorists, including a Jaish-e-Mohammed commander named Saifullah, were killed in Kishtwar forests, marking a significant tactical victory for the security forces.
