Jammu, February 23 – The Army announced on Monday that the operation to eliminate the major group of terrorists operating in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir was launched in April/May of last year.
In a press statement, the Army said, “A major terror group operating in the area was being relentlessly pursued by security forces. Operations were launched in April/May of last year and continued despite the rains and snow during the winter. Successful contact with the group resulted in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists in April 2025. The latest of the group, codenamed ‘Saifullah’, along with his close associate codenamed ‘Adil’ and two other terrorists, were on the run.”
The statement said that based on the collaborative assessment of intelligence provided by the J&K Police, the Intelligence Bureau, and its own sources, a Joint Counter-Terrorist (CT) Operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was launched on January 14 in the Chhatroo, Kishtwar region.
The operation was to track and neutralize terrorists operating in the area by troops of the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under the White Knight Corps, including the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force.
While describing the operation, the Army said, “On January 18, 2026, contact was established with the terror group, and their well-prepared and stocked hideout was busted by security forces. The relentless pursuit of the terrorists on the run resulted in the elimination of one terrorist codenamed Adil on February 4, 2026, in Op Trashi-1, in addition to two terrorists being neutralized in a separate Operation, Op Kiya, on the same day. Following the contact on February 4, 2026, the security forces continued with determination towards eliminating the remaining terrorists.”
“The terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hrs on February 22, 2026. Displaying high standards of tactical precision, seamless inter-agency coordination, and resolute operational efficiency, security forces, including the JKP and CRPF, rigorously pursued the terrorist group in the challenging and rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The persistent actions of the security forces in this large-scale operation spanning over a month, the security forces neutralized all four hardcore terrorists,” the Army said.
The final encounter site, where three terrorists were successfully neutralized on the steep slopes of a rugged mountain, was cordoned off by the security forces on the night of February 21-22.
The troops displayed exceptional tactical precision and swiftness, ensuring zero casualties among their own personnel.
The Army highlighted the role of its trained dog ‘Tyson’, who entered the Dhok to ascertain the presence of terrorists. The terrorists opened fire, during which Tyson was injured.
“During the search of the area, three AK-47 rifles, along with the bodies of the slain terrorists, have been recovered. The operation reflected seamless coordination between the Army, CRPF, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, notably the SOG. Reinforcements, including special forces, were quickly mobilized,” the statement said.
The Army utilized real-time surveillance drones and night vision equipment to track and contain terrorist movement, preventing any potential escape.
“CIF (D), under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF, and based on intelligence inputs from multiple sources, have eliminated 6 x Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in its Area of Responsibility over the past 20 days. The formation will continue to undertake intelligence-based operations, sustain operational momentum, and maintain dominance in the Area of Responsibility,” the media statement said.
