Two Pakistani JeM terrorists killed in Udhampur operation, searches continue

New Delhi: Two Pakistani Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) terrorists were killed during a joint counterterrorism operation in Jammu & Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday, with security forces continuing searches and surveillance in the area. Jammu & Kashmir Police later identified the two as Saddam and Mustafa.

Operation Sohan was launched during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday following confirmed intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the general area of Brattal. Troops of the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps (XVI Corps), Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force took part in the operation.

In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said the targeted operation was conducted despite hostile weather, difficult terrain and poor visibility and resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists. 

Media reported that a joint search was launched in the Bratel Soan and Khubban areas of Majalta around 9pm on Wednesday following information about a suspected terrorist movement. The terrorists later opened heavy fire while attempting to break the cordon, prompting security forces to retaliate.

The bodies of the two terrorists were later recovered from the encounter site, which is covered by thick vegetation and hilly terrain. Security forces continued searches in the surrounding area as the operation remained in progress.

J&K Police subsequently confirmed that the two slain terrorists were Pakistani nationals affiliated with JeM. Their identities and affiliation had not been officially established when the encounter was first reported.

Police said an AK assault rifle with four magazines, an M4 carbine with three magazines, a Glock pistol with two magazines and four grenades were recovered from the slain terrorists.

The Army said its troops remained deployed in the area as the operation continued, with searches aimed at ruling out any additional threat.