A violent face-off erupted on Thursday morning in the Nader locality of Tral, Awantipora, J&K with security personnel fighting terrorists. Two terrorists are said to be stuck in the crossfire. This encounter comes in the wake of the recent killing of three Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers in Shopian. These operations are part of India’s broader crackdown against terror under Operation Keller and Operation Sindoor.
At the same time, tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated following Indian troops launching targeted attacks on terror camps along the border. These events mark a serious escalation of India’s counterterror campaign.
Fresh clash in Tral
The new gunfight started early on Thursday in Nader, Tral. J&K Police confirmed the encounter through their official X handle. They said, “Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.” Sources report two terrorists are still trapped as forces continue the operation.
#Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 15, 2025
Two days prior to the Tral encounter, security personnel gunned down three terrorists in Shopian’s Shukroo forest. All were Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Two of them have been identified by police of J&K. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Keller,’ resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition. A video from the location reveals rifles, grenades, bullets, wallets, and backpacks recovered from the terrorists.
Operation Keller and Operation Sindoor
Both Shopian and Tral operations fall under a larger anti-terror operation. Operation Sindoor has an extended regional mandate, while Operation Keller targets South Kashmir. Both the operations have aimed to break up the networks of militants and prevent cross-border infiltration.
Indian troops on May 8 carried out coordinated precision raids on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Their targets were top Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed camps at Bahawalpur and Muridke. The raids killed several of the terror groups’ top leaders.
Pakistan’s attempted retaliation
Pakistan tried to strike back with missile and drone strikes. But Indian forces managed to neutralise all dangers. The Indian Air Force (IAF) retaliated by attacking key Pakistani military installations. IAF fighter planes devastated airbases and radar installations. They also jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-made air defence systems during the attack.
The continuous Tral encounter and earlier Shopian offensive indicate India’s hardened anti-terror stance. Supported by high-impact cross-border actions and in-depth intelligence, Indian forces continue to disassemble militant infrastructure. The next few days could witness more escalations as tensions with Pakistan continue and the security grid remains on its toes.