Joint Forces Launch Anti-Terror Operation In Kathua Following Sighting Of Suspected Terrorists

Joint security forces in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, launched an anti-terror operation on Monday after spotting two suspected terrorists in a local village, officials confirmed.

Sources stated that the operation began in the Malhar area, following sightings of the suspected militants in Dragal village.

An official stated, “Army, J&K Police and the CRPF are conducting a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in the area to locate the suspected terrorists. The operation started after inputs about the movement of two armed terrorists.”

The forces are currently combing the surrounding forest regions of Malhar, using sniffer dogs and surveillance technology, including drones.

Officials added that security forces are also searching several villages near Dragal and have sealed all exit points.

“Locals have been advised to stay indoors and report any suspicious movement to joint forces as the safety of civilians in the area is the top priority of the security forces,” an official asserted.

The joint forces are undertaking rigorous operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers across the union territory.

Intelligence agencies have also indicated that drug traffickers and smugglers, whose proceeds from hawala and narcotics operations often fund terrorism, are now a key target of security efforts.

The revised operational strategy aims to dismantle the entire network supporting terrorism, rather than solely focusing on neutralising armed militants.

While the Army maintains vigil along the 740-kilometre-long Line of Control (LoC), and the Border Security Force (BSF) secures the 240-kilometre International Border (IB), police and paramilitary units are concentrating on counter-terror operations within the hinterland.

The LoC stretches across Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora in the Kashmir Valley, as well as Poonch, Rajouri, and parts of Jammu district in the Jammu division.

The IB passes through Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts within the Jammu division.