2 terrorists shot dead in major anti-terror operation in J&K’s Kathua, 3 police personnel killed

At least two terrorists were eliminated by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Thursday (March 27) in a fresh encounter. A major counter-terror operation is underway in the region for the past four days. According to reports, three cops were killed during the gunfight, while two others sustained injuries.

The two injured personnel belonged to Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG).

There are reports that four to five terrorists were hiding in a densely forested area in the Juthana area.

The gunfight began when the security forces spotted the terrorists near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh.

Earlier on Sunday, security forces had spotted the terrorists some 30km away from the area, in the Hiranagar sector.

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The terrorists were earlier spotted on Sunday: Sources

Officials told news agency PTI that reinforcements were sent to the area, and an exchange of fire was ongoing when the last reports came in.

The terrorists are believed to be the same group that clashed with security forces on Sunday, an incident that left a minor girl injured.

It was also reported that the militants may have tried to take some civilians hostage that day.

The Border Security Force (BSF) earlier heightened vigilance along the Pakistan border, as intelligence reports warn of more terrorists attempting infiltration.

According to sources, the National Security Guard (NSG), the Indian Army, the BSF and local police are taking part in this operation, supported by helicopters, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs.

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Security forces launch major anti-militancy operation in J&K after terrorists spotted near Pak border

Kathua has become a key infiltration route for Pakistan-based terrorists trying to reach Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar, and further into Kashmir. A series of terror incidents over the past year highlights this trend, prompting security forces to intensify operations to eliminate the threat.

Earlier this month, security forces killed a terrorist in Kupwara. In February, an Army vehicle was attacked in Rajouri’s Sunderbani area, triggering a cordon and search operation.

According to Army data, 75 terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, with 60 per cent identified as Pakistani nationals. Out of these 75, 17 were killed while crossing the border, while 26 were killed during operations inside the union territory.

(With inputs from agencies)