Jammu, Feb 23: Security forces in an operation spanning over a month in rugged terrains of Kishtwar have successfully neutralised all four hard core Jaish terrorists, including dreaded commanded Saifullah, in “Operation Trashi-I.”
This was stated by GOC, CIF(D) Maj Gen APS Bal and IGP, Jammu Zone B S Tuti, IPS in a media interaction on Monday, February 23, 2026, a day after the security forces, in a joint operation, killed three Jaish terrorists, including Saifullah in Passerkut area of Chhatru.
Prior to it, one terrorist was killed on February 4, 2026 in Chhatru.
“A major terror group operating in the area was being relentlessly pursued by the security forces. Operations were launched in April-May last year and were sustained despite hy rains and snow during winters. Successful contact with the group resulted in elimination of three hard core terrorists in April 2025, However the latest of the group code name Saifullah along with his close associate code name Adil and two other terrorists were surviving and were on the run,” it was stated in the presser.
Major General A P S Bal stated, “The troops displayed exceptional tactical precision and swiftness, ensuring zero casualties among own personnel. Role of army trained dog Tyson needs a special mention who entered the Dhok to ascertain presence of terrorists. Terrorists opened fire during which Tyson was injured.”
As per the details shared in the presser, based on the collaborative assessment of intelligence provided by JKP, IB and army sources, a Joint Counter Terrorist (CT) operation, codenamed Operation Trashi–I, was launched on January 14, 2026 in the Chhatru, Kishtwar region to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area by troops of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under White Knight Corps including Assam Rifles, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
On January 18, 2026, contact was established with the terror group and their well prepared and stocked hideout was busted by the security forces.
“Relentless pursuit of the terrorists on the run resulted in elimination of one terrorist code named Adil on February 4, 2026 in Operation Trashi-1, besides two terrorists being neutralised in a separate operation, “Operation Kiya” on the same day. Following the contact of February 4, 2026, the Security Forces continued with grit and determination towards elimination of the remaining terrorists,” Major Gen Bal, joined by IGP Jammu stated.
The terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hours on February 22, 2026.
“Displaying high standards of tactical precision, seamless inter-agency coordination and resolute operational efficiency, Security Forces including JKP and CRPF, rigorously pursued the terrorist group in the challenging and rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The final encounter site in which three terrorists were successfully neutralised on steep slopes of a rugged mountain was cordoned by the security forces in the night of February 21-22, 2026.
“During the search of the area, till now, war-like stores including three AK-47 rifles have been recovered along with bodies of the slain terrorists. The operation reflected seamless coordination between the Army, CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, notably the SOG,” the duo added.
It was pointed out that reinforcements, including special forces, were quickly mobilized. “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 Pakistan sponsored terrorists in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days,” Maj Gen Bal said, adding that the formation would continue to undertake intelligence-based operations, sustain operational momentum and maintain dominance in the area of responsibility.
