Two Pakistani nationals identified as members of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed in a joint counter-terrorism operation in the Brattal forests of Udhampur district. The operation, codenamed ‘Sohan’, took place during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Concurrently, a local suspect believed to have provided logistical support to the slain terrorists was detained for questioning.
The deceased terrorists were identified by authorities as Saddam and Mustafa, both Pakistani nationals affiliated with the JeM. The intelligence-led operation was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It was conducted in the dense forest areas of Brattal-Sohan and Khubban, situated in Majalta and bordering Kathua district. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that security officials apprehended a local youth in a nearby area following the encounter, who is suspected of being an over-ground worker (OGW) for the militant group.
The operational zone is strategically located close to Kathua district, which shares the International Border with Pakistan. Security agencies have consistently indicated that infiltrating terrorists often utilize traditional routes through Kathua before proceeding to the higher altitudes of Udhampur, Doda, and adjacent districts. It remains unclear whether the neutralized terrorists had recently infiltrated the region or had been present for an extended period. The Army, in a statement, confirmed the operation, stating, “In a joint intelligence-based operation during the intervening night of September 16-17, confirmed inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the general area of Brattal, Udhampur. Despite hostile weather, difficult terrain and poor visibility, troops of White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF launched a targeted counter-terrorism operation, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists.”
Search and surveillance operations are ongoing in the area, with security forces maintaining a robust deployment to detect and neutralize any residual threats. Officials indicated that security forces had been monitoring a group of terrorists after their movement was observed in the forest belt the previous week. Acting on fresh intelligence inputs, troops cordoned off a specific area around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, which led to the initial contact with the militants. The encounter intensified on Thursday morning after the terrorists allegedly opened heavy fire in an attempt to break through the security cordon, following initial exchanges of gunfire and explosions heard shortly after the operation commenced. Additional reinforcements were dispatched to the site, and search operations continued until the time of reporting.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed the identities of the slain militants via a post on X, reiterating that both were Pakistani nationals associated with the JeM. Recoveries from the encounter site included an AK-series assault rifle with four magazines, an M4 carbine with three magazines, a Glock pistol with two magazines, and four grenades. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma commended the White Knight Corps for their “swift, precise and professional action” in eliminating the two terrorists. The Northern Command issued a statement emphasizing the successful intelligence-based operation and its seamless synergy with the J&K Police and CRPF, highlighting the strength of joint inter-agency coordination within the counter-terrorism framework. The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. This incident marks the second significant anti-terror operation in Udhampur district this year, following a similar operation in February where two Pakistani terrorists, including JeM commander Rubani alias Abu Mavia, were killed in the Ramnagar forests after being trapped in a cave.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.