JeM Commander Saifullah Killed in Jammu & Kashmir Encounter

February 22, 2026

Security forces engaged in an intense encounter with terrorists in the remote Chatroo forest belt of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, following specific intelligence about the presence of militants from the proscribed terror group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed. Joint teams involving the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched the operation after receiving inputs that two suspected terrorists were hiding in the snow-bound forests, officials said.

Top JeM Commander Neutralized

During the prolonged gunfight that erupted in the morning in the Passerkut area of Chatroo, security forces managed to neutralise a top terrorist identified as Saifullah, believed to be a key commander in Jaish-e-Mohammed. While the operation was still ongoing at the time of reporting, initial reports suggested that Saifullah — described by officials and security sources as a major operational leader for JeM in the region — was killed in the encounter.

Operation based on Intelligence Leads

Troops backed by aerial surveillance and reinforcements had cordoned off the area to prevent the terrorists’ escape. The encounter began when troops, after days of search operations, located and confronted the militants in the dense forest terrain, leading to intense firing exchanges. The security forces responded effectively to suppress the threat and neutralise the terrorist who had been evading capture in the difficult terrain of Kishtwar.

Saifullah’s Role in Militant Network

Although official confirmation of Saifullah’s identity and background is awaited from authorities, reports from previous major anti-terror operations in the region describe him as a proscribed militant commander linked with JeM activities in the Jammu division. In past operations in 2025, Saifullah was identified as a senior JeM commander active in the hilly Kishtwar, Doda and Udhampur areas — regions that have witnessed regular militant movement and contact with terror networks across the border.

Security Situation and Reinforcement

The Chatroo forest belt has seen heightened militant activity in recent weeks, with multiple engagements between terrorists and Indian forces. Reinforcements were rushed to the area to tighten the cordon and prevent escape of any remaining militants. Officials emphasised that the terrain’s challenging conditions including snow and rugged forests — have required coordinated efforts from all security agencies.

Statement from Security Officials

Security sources said no casualties among security personnel had been reported so far in the ongoing operation. The troops involved in the encounter include soldiers from frontier units well-versed in high-altitude operations who continue to pursue any militants believed to be holed up in the region.

Significance of the Operation

The elimination of a senior JeM commander like Saifullah is a significant blow to the terror outfit’s operational capability in the Jammu region, where militants have sought to regroup and establish footholds in remote areas. Such high-value neutralisations are critical to preventing terror attacks and insurgent activities directed at security forces and civilians.