Jammu- Two terrorists were killed on Wednesday during an ongoing encounter with joint security forces in the Basantgarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
Officials stated that the terrorists were neutralised, while efforts to recover the bodies were underway as intermittent firing continued in the densely forested region.
The anti-terror operation began late Tuesday evening after terrorists were spotted opening fire from a cave. Security forces launched the operation following specific intelligence inputs regarding their presence.
According to officials, drones deployed by the joint forces detected terrorist movement near a cave in the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district. Following this, security forces tightened the cordon to restrict the movement of the hiding militants.
Officials said that when security personnel moved towards the location, terrorists fired from the cave identified through drone surveillance. In response, the forces conducted a measured operation, advancing cautiously while strengthening the cordon to prevent any escape through the forested terrain.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) played a vital role in confirming the presence of terrorists inside the cave, enabling the forces to fine-tune their strategy and minimise operational risks, officials added.
Authorities are conducting the operation carefully, considering the possibility that more militants may be hiding in the area. Residents of nearby villages have been advised to remain indoors as a precaution until the operation concludes.
The presence of terrorists in the hilly districts of Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda in the Jammu division has become a significant concern for security agencies.
During a high-level security review meeting held in New Delhi on January 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed forces to eliminate terrorists operating in these areas, many of whom are suspected to be Pakistani nationals. He also emphasised maintaining strict vigilance to prevent infiltration along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC).
The Union Home Minister is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir for three days starting February 5. During the visit, he is expected to tour the international border and chair another security review meeting in Jammu city.
With inputs from IANS