Rajouri: A major anti-terror operation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after security forces established contact with suspected terrorists hiding in the dense forests of the Gambhir Mughalan-Dorimal belt on Saturday.
According to officials, intelligence agencies received specific inputs about the presence of two to three heavily armed terrorists, believed to have infiltrated from Pakistan into Indian territory.
Following the inputs, a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a large-scale cordon-and-search operation in the area.
The operation intensified around 11:30 am when troops came face-to-face with the terrorists, triggering a brief exchange of fire. In a post on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed that contact had been established with terrorists during the intelligence-based operation and said troops responded swiftly with “calibrated action”.
The Army has code-named the mission ‘Op Sheruwali’.
Security forces have now strengthened the cordon around the forested area while additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot.
Due to the thick forests and difficult mountainous terrain, troops are advancing cautiously to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Sources said the trapped terrorists are carrying sophisticated weapons and are suspected to be part of an infiltration module operating in the Rajouri-Poonch belt.
Security agencies are attempting to seal all possible escape routes in and around the forest area.
A senior Army officer said the operation would continue until the terrorists are “captured dead or alive”.
As a precautionary measure, local authorities have advised residents in nearby villages to remain indoors and stay alert.
So far, there has been no official confirmation of any casualties. However, security has been heightened across the Rajouri-Poonch region as the operation continues.
The latest encounter comes amid a series of anti-terror operations carried out in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
In February 2026, the White Knight Corps announced the elimination of seven terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah, after a 326-day-long operation in Kishtwar.
Earlier, on February 4, another joint operation in the Basantgarh forest area saw two terrorists killed after security forces used Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGLs) to destroy a cave hideout.
With the operation still in progress, security forces remain on high alert as efforts continue to track down the hiding terrorists in the forests of Rajouri.
