Major Security Operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur, Two Suspected Terrorists Killed in Encounter, Weapons Recovered

Security forces in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir carried out a major operation against terrorists. An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists late on Wednesday night in the Sohan area. Two suspected terrorists were killed in the gunfight. Authorities suspect both were foreign nationals with links to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security agencies are working to confirm their identities.

Operation launched after reports of suspicious activity

Security forces had received information about suspicious activity by certain individuals in the Sohan area. Following this, the Rashtriya Rifles, Para Special Forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. During the search operation, security forces encountered the terrorists, after which heavy exchange of fire broke out from both sides. The encounter continued into the late hours of the night.

Bodies of both terrorists recovered the following morning

After the encounter, security forces conducted a search operation in the area the next morning, during which the bodies of two terrorists were recovered. According to initial information, both are suspected to be foreign nationals. Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from them. An investigation is underway into their identities and any links to a terrorist organisation.

Suspected links to Jaish-e-Mohammed

Security agencies suspect that the two slain terrorists may have links to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, though their identities have not yet been officially confirmed. Investigating agencies are also trying to establish how long the two terrorists had been present in the Udhampur area and whether they had contact with any local or other terror network.

Joint operation conducted by Rashtriya Rifles and police

The operation in Udhampur involved the Rashtriya Rifles, Para Special Forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Security forces cordoned off the area and carried out the search operation. Security has been stepped up in the area following the encounter, with forces continuing to check for any other suspicious activity in the surrounding region.

Terrorist activity also reported earlier in Budgam

Earlier, on 5 September, security forces had killed a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander in an encounter in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was identified as Yasir. According to security agencies, Yasir had earlier been part of a Lashkar group led by Sunderman Musa, but had broken away from the group around a year ago and had been operating independently.