Udhampur Encounter: Two Suspected Terrorists Killed In Overnight Gunfight With Security Forces

Two suspected terrorists were killed in an overnight gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, officials said on Thursday. The encounter took place in the Majalta area after security forces launched a cordon and search operation following intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movement in the forested region.

The two deceased terrorists are believed to have been associated with Kashmir Tigers, a proxy outfit linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Their identities are yet to be established, while officials are also ascertaining whether they were foreign nationals.

Joint Operation Underway In Udhampur

The operation was carried out by the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Forces (Para), Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Security sources said that the suspected terrorists had been traced in the forested area as it has been a route followed by groups associated to JeM. Security personnel subsequently launched a targeted operation to locate them.

A heavy exchange of fire broke out after troops moved in and established contact with the suspected terrorists.

Two terrorists were found dead on early hours of Thursday. Security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the site.

The White Knight Corps said on X that the operation began during the intervening night of September 16 and 17 after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Brattal area of Udhampur.

The security forces continued the operation despite difficult terrain, poor visibility and hostile weather conditions.

Search Operation Continues

Security personnel have maintained a deployment in the area as search and surveillance operations continue. Additional troops have reportedly been mobilised to check the surrounding forests for any other terrorists who may be hiding in the region.

The Majalta area has witnessed counter-terrorism operations in the past. In February this year, two suspected JeM terrorists were also killed during an operation in the area.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the identities of the two terrorists or the weapons recovered from the encounter site.

Encounter Comes Days After LeT Commander Was Killed

The Udhampur operation comes days after a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander from Pakistan was killed in an encounter in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on September 5.

The terrorist was identified as Yasir. According to security sources cited in the report, he was associated with the larger Sulaiman Musa group of LeT but had separated from the group nearly a year earlier and was allegedly operating independently.

Security agencies had been monitoring his movements in the Yousmarg area before the encounter.

The latest Udhampur operation remains ongoing as security forces continue combing the forested area for possible additional threats.

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Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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