Jammu, Sept 22: Security forces have launched an extensive counter-terror operation across the Jammu region amid intelligence inputs indicating the presence of nearly 25 terrorists operating in different districts stretching from the Pir Panjal range to the forests of Kathua and Udhampur.
According to sources, the terrorists include four local operatives and around 21 Pakistani terrorists believed to be active in various pockets of Jammu division. The information has prompted a large-scale search and surveillance operation involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces across dense forest belts and mountainous terrain.
Among the four local terrorists, three are reported to be long-time operatives linked to Hizbul Mujahideen. Security agencies believe one of the key local groups is headed by Jahangir Saroori, who is active in the Kishtwar region. Another local terrorist, identified as Nikku, is believed to be operating in the Kathua-Udhampur belt.
Sources said Nikku had allegedly spent several years in Pakistan receiving terror training before infiltrating back into India nearly two years ago. During the recent Operation Sohan in the Majalta area of Udhampur on September 16-17, security forces reportedly managed to corner him, but he succeeded in escaping the security cordon during the encounter.
Terror Groups Spread Across Multiple Districts
Intelligence inputs suggest that six to eight Pakistani terrorists are currently active in the Pir Panjal range, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch districts. Separate inputs indicate the presence of around two terrorists in Reasi district.
Security agencies have also received information about a fresh group of two to three terrorists entering Doda district in recent weeks. In Kishtwar, apart from the Jahangir Saroori group, another group believed to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad is reportedly active with two to three terrorists.
The Kathua-Udhampur belt remains a major area of concern for security forces. Officials believe at least three separate terrorist groups, comprising two to three terrorists each, are operating in the region. These groups are said to be frequently changing locations and moving between forests and mountainous areas to evade detection.
In response, security forces have intensified search operations in the forests of Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur and Kathua. Surveillance has also been strengthened along infiltration routes and vulnerable areas.
Officials said the immediate focus is on locating the terrorist groups, establishing their movement patterns and launching targeted operations to neutralise them before they can regroup or carry out attacks.
Fifteen Terrorists Eliminated in 2026 So Far
The ongoing operations come against the backdrop of an aggressive counter-terror campaign carried out across Jammu and Kashmir during 2026. Between January 1 and September 22, security forces conducted a series of encounters and anti-infiltration operations in which at least 15 terrorists were killed.
The year began with a successful operation in Kathua’s Billawar area on January 23, where Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Usman alias Abu Mavia was killed.
On February 4, two Jaish terrorists were eliminated in an encounter in the Jopher forests of Basantgarh in Udhampur, while another terrorist was killed in a separate operation in Chhatroo, Kishtwar. Later, on February 22, Operation Trashi-I in Chhatroo resulted in the killing of three terrorists, including Jaish commander Saifullah.
Anti-infiltration operations along the Line of Control also recorded successes. One terrorist was killed while attempting to infiltrate through the Jhangar sector of Nowshera in Rajouri on March 10, while another Pakistani terrorist was neutralised in the Buchhar area of Uri during operations on March 14-15.
A terrorist was also killed during an encounter in the Arhama area of Ganderbal on the night of March 31 and April 1. The operation later became the subject of public debate and demands for an inquiry.
On May 12, security forces foiled an infiltration attempt in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch, killing a Pakistani terrorist near the LoC.
Major successes continued during the summer. On July 8, Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zakir Ganie was killed during a prolonged operation in Shopian, although one of his associates managed to escape.
In September, operations shifted focus back to the Jammu region. A Pakistani Lashkar terrorist identified as Yasir was killed in the Yousmarg area on September 5. Days later, during Operation Sohan in Majalta, Udhampur, Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists Saddam and Mustafa were killed. Security forces recovered an AK rifle, an M4 carbine, pistols, grenades and other ammunition from the encounter site.
Focus on Dismantling Terror Networks
With at least 15 terrorists eliminated this year, security agencies now face the challenge of tracking and neutralising the remaining groups believed to be hiding in the forests and mountainous terrain of Jammu division.
Officials say the strategy involves a combination of intelligence-based operations, area domination exercises and anti-infiltration measures along the Line of Control. The objective is not only to prevent fresh infiltration attempts but also to dismantle both old and newly emerging terrorist networks operating in the region.
As security forces continue their operations across Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Kathua, the hunt for the remaining terrorists is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.