Will neutralise terrorists wherever they operate: Army

Kishtwar, Feb 23: Declaring Operation Trashi-I a model of sustained, intelligence-driven counter-insurgency action in the Chenab Valley, Army on Monday said that it would continue to identify, target and neutralise terrorists “wherever they are and in whatever form they operate.”
Addressing a joint press briefing in Kishtwar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Counter-Insurgency Force Delta (CIF Delta), Major General A P S Bal, said the success was the culmination of months of relentless pursuit, coordinated intelligence inputs and seamless synergy between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces.
“This operation reflects perseverance, clarity of thought, proper planning and the vision we had from the beginning. It showcases relentless efforts over months and an integrated approach of every force and agency working here,” he said.
Officials revealed that the neutralised group, affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, had infiltrated in April 2024 and remained active across the Kishtwar–Udhampur belt for nearly one-and-a-half years.
The group, self-styled as the “Israel Group,” was engaged 17 times during this period. Three hardcore terrorists were eliminated in April 2025, while the remaining members commander code-named Saifullah, associate code-named Adil and two others continued to evade capture despite sustained operations in rain, snow and rugged mountainous terrain.
Based on collaborative intelligence from JKP, IB and Army sources, a Joint Counter-Terror (CT) operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was launched on January 14, 2026 in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar.
The operation was undertaken by CIF Delta under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP (including SOG), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other supporting units.
The GOC said, contact was first established on January 18, when a well-stocked hideout was busted. On February 4, terrorist Adil was eliminated during Op Trashi-I, while two others were neutralised the same day in a separate action, Op Kiya.
The remaining terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hours on February 22. After tactically cordoning the final encounter site on the night of February 21–22, forces neutralised the last three terrorists on steep mountain slopes, completing the dismantling of the group.
“Our biggest achievement was not allowing them to escape from a defined geographical area,” the GOC said.
Maj Gen Bal underlined that despite a month-long large-scale operation in extreme weather and treacherous terrain, security forces ensured zero casualties among their ranks.
“The way we operated in a calm, composed and collective manner ensured precision execution,” he said.
He paid tribute to Army-trained dog Tyson, who entered a Dhok (mountain hut) to confirm terrorist presence. Terrorists opened fire during the action, fatally injuring the canine.
“He actually initiated the operation,” the GOC said.
Reinforcements, including special forces, were mobilised swiftly during the operation. Real-time surveillance drones and night-vision equipment were extensively used to track terrorist movement and prevent escape.
Search operations led to the recovery of war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, along with bodies of the slain terrorists.
Officials said CIF Delta, under White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF, has eliminated six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days across the Kishtwar–Udhampur belt.
The Army indicated that the terrorist group had logistical backing, stating that the infrastructure created and supplies ferried to hideouts could not have been possible without local support. Investigations are underway to dismantle the support ecosystem.
Reiterating the Army’s resolve, Maj Gen Bal said the counter-insurgency grid remains alert and proactive. “Whoever is the enemy of the nation, wherever he is and in whichever form he is, he will be identified, targeted and neutralised,” he said.
The formation will continue intelligence-based operations to sustain operational momentum and maintain dominance in its area of responsibility, officials said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Army said a major terror group operating in the area had been relentlessly pursued since April–May last year despite heavy rains and snow.
It confirmed that Operation Trashi-I, launched on January 14, 2026 in Chhatroo, Kishtwar region, led to sustained engagements beginning January 18 and culminating in the neutralisation of all four remaining hardcore terrorists on February 22.
The statement said that troops displayed exceptional tactical precision and seamless coordination, ensuring zero casualties, while acknowledging the sacrifice of Army dog Tyson. War-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, were recovered.
“CIF (D), under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF, have eliminated six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days,” the statement said.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to continue intelligence-driven operations and maintain operational dominance. (KNO)