Kishtwar, Jan 18: A joint counter-terror operation is currently unfolding in the upper reaches of Kishtwar after three soldiers were injured during a confrontation with a group of foreign militants. The clash occurred on Sunday afternoon when security forces, acting on specific intelligence, entered the forested Sonnar region near Chatroo.
The White Knight Corps confirmed that the engagement began during a joint exercise with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Upon making contact with the armed group, the troops were met with heavy gunfire and grenade attacks.
“Reinforcements have been deployed to neutralise the terrorists,” an official statement said, confirming that the area has been sealed off to prevent any escape.
The militants involved are suspected to be part of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) network. After the initial exchange, which lasted for several minutes, the injured soldiers were moved to a medical facility for treatment of splinter-related wounds.
The Army noted that the operation is being supported by specialized equipment to navigate the remote and forested landscape. Drones are currently providing aerial surveillance, while sniffer dogs have been brought in to assist ground teams in tracking the movement of the fleeing militants.
This latest incident adds to a series of recent engagements in the Chenab and hills of Jammu, including two firefights in the Kathua district earlier this month. Security analysts pointed out that the frequency of these contacts has increased as the January 26 national holiday nears.
The White Knight Corps mentioned that “the security forces came in contact with the terrorists in the general area Sonnar” as part of a proactive strategy to clear the region of threats. Officials said the intensity of these operations will remain high to counter potential infiltration attempts directed by handlers stationed in Pakistan.
