Army Says Elimination of 3 Terrorists a Massive Blow in Kishtwar

February 23, 2026

In a major counter-terrorism success, the Indian Army, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), eliminated three terrorists of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said, calling it a “massive blow to the terror network.” The encounter occurred during a prolonged operation in the dense forest and mountainous terrain of the Chatroo region, where militants had been on the run.

The joint operation, code-named Operation Trashi-I, has been underway for over 326 days, covering harsh high-altitude terrain with freezing and wet conditions, underscoring the complexity and persistence of anti-terror efforts in the region.

Top JeM Commander Among Those Killed

Preliminary assessments indicate that one of the three slain terrorists was Saifullah, a self-styled commander of JeM believed to have infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago and linked to several deadly attacks on security forces. He reportedly played a role in an ambush in July 2024 that killed four soldiers, making his elimination a substantial setback for the terror outfit’s presence in the Chenab valley.

Security forces located the militants based on credible intelligence inputs collated from multiple agencies including the Intelligence Bureau, local police intelligence and their own networks. As the troops closed in on their hideout inside a mud house on the forested foothills, the terrorists opened fire, leading to an intense gunfight. The structure caught fire, leaving the bodies charred beyond recognition, officials said.

Operation Trashi-I: Months of Relentless Effort

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army, in coordination with other security units, said the success in Kishtwar is part of multiple engagements over nearly a year targeting militant groups. The prolonged nature of the operation reflects the challenging conditions faced by troops, involving rugged geography, sub-zero temperatures at times, thick forests and elusive terrorists.

Technology played a significant role in tracking militants during the months-long operation. Security forces used FPV drones, satellite imagery, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAs/UAVs) and advanced communication tools to monitor movements and refine tactical planning, authorities said.

Officials highlighted that the joint intelligence grid, combining civil and military intelligence agencies, has been crucial in relentlessly pursuing the terror group in the Chatroo forest belt, leading to successive engagements and eventual neutralisation of the militants.

Weapons and Materials Recovered

During the operation, troops also recovered war-like stores, including at least two AK-47 rifles and ammunition, indicating the militants’ capability to mount armed resistance and carry out attacks. The seizure of these weapons adds to the strategic impact of the operation, denying the terror network access to combat gear and logistical support in the region.

Army’s Statement on the Counter-Terror Push

In a social media post following the successful operation, the White Knight Corps called the elimination of the JeM operatives a major setback for terror infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated that “nothing can stand against the determination, courage and valour of Indian security forces and intelligence agencies.”

Senior officers praised the coordination between the Army, J&K Police and CRPF, noting that their combined efforts backed by actionable intelligence and modern surveillance technology were key to dismantling the militants’ presence in challenging terrain.

Strategic Impact on Regional Security

Security experts say neutralising seasoned militants like Saifullah not only disrupts immediate threats but also degrades the operational capabilities of cross-border terror groups in the Jammu region. The operation comes amid ongoing efforts to curb infiltration and militancy in the Chenab valley and surrounding districts, where frequent gunfights and search operations have been common.

Authorities emphasised that while the elimination of these terrorists is a significant milestone, sustained vigilance and coordinated counter-terrorism measures remain essential to maintaining long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.