Kishtwar, J&K (India): Security forces and the intelligence grid faced a prolonged challenge in tracking an active group of Pakistani terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed in the remote Chhatroo area of Kishtwar district in the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.
All these Pakistani terrorists were neutralised one by one by the security forces in a very complex joint operation in Kishtwar.
Terrorist sympathisers and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) had remained under constant police surveillance across the Chenab Valley. Frequent cordon-and-search operations and background checks over the past decade had contributed to a considerable decline in terror activities. However, fresh intelligence inputs about the presence of a Pakistani terrorist group in the mountains triggered a high-alert response.
Security agencies assessed the infiltration as a desperate attempt by Pakistan to revive terrorism in the region, which had largely been brought under control through sustained efforts of the administration, security forces and the local population.
326 days’ high-altitude anti-terror joint operation
Acting on multi-source intelligence, security forces have conducted painstaking high-altitude joint operations over the past 326 days, making it one of the toughest anti-terror missions in the region.
A defence spokesperson said the forces tracked the terrorists in extreme cold, wet and freezing conditions across daunting terrain, leading to multiple contacts and exchanges of fire.
Troops of the White Knight Corps, the J&K Police Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), operating on a well-coordinated intelligence grid of civil and military agencies, eventually neutralised the entire terrorist group in Chhatroo.
The operation relied heavily on advanced technology, including First-Person View (FPV) drones, satellite imagery, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and secure communication systems, which were continuously employed to support ground forces.
Final Encounter
A breakthrough came after sustained operations launched in April -May last year despite heavy rains and winter snowfall. Initial contact in April 2025 led to the elimination of three hardcore terrorists, including the group commander code-named Saifullah. His close associate Adil and two others had managed to escape and remained on the run.
Based on fresh intelligence inputs from the J&K Police, Intelligence Bureau and other sources, a Joint Counter-Terrorist operation, codenamed Operation Trashi–I, was launched on 14 January 2026 in the Chhatroo region by Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under the White Knight Corps, in close coordination with the J&K Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles.
Contact was re-established on 18 January 2026, when security forces busted a well-prepared terrorist hideout. The continued pursuit led to the elimination of terrorist Adil on 4 February 2026 under Operation Trashi–I. On the same day, two more terrorists were neutralised in a separate action, Operation Kiya.
Security forces maintained pressure on the remaining terrorists and re-engaged them on 22 February 2026 in extremely rugged terrain and harsh weather.
In the final phase of the long-duration operation, forces displayed high tactical precision and seamless inter-agency coordination, successfully neutralising the remaining hard-core terrorists. The final encounter site on steep mountain slopes was cordoned during the night of 21–22 February.
A special operations dog took a bullet while tracking terrorists
Troops ensured zero casualties on the security side. The role of Army-trained dog Tyson was particularly noteworthy. Tyson entered a dhok to confirm the presence of terrorists and was injured when militants opened fire.
Search operations at the site led to the recovery of war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, along with the bodies of the slain terrorists.
Officials said the operation highlighted exemplary coordination among the Army, CRPF and the J&K Police, especially the SOG. Reinforcements, including Special Forces, were rapidly mobilised, while real-time drone surveillance and night-vision systems prevented any escape.
CIF (Delta), under the aegis of the White Knight Corps, Northern Command, stated that six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists have been eliminated in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days. The formation affirmed it will continue intelligence-based operations to sustain operational momentum and maintain dominance in the region.DD
