Three Terrorists Killed, Three Cops Die In Kathua As Anti-Terror Operation Resumes

On the sixth day of the ongoing anti-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, three terrorists were killed, and three policemen lost their lives.

The operation, which resumed on Friday morning, also injured seven security personnel.

Terrorists Neutralized In Ongoing Operation

Officials confirmed that the operation neutralized three terrorists in the Ghati Heights area of Sufiyan Jakhole village in Kathua.

The terrorists are believed to be part of a group that had previously escaped from Sanyal village.

It is suspected that they were attempting to cross into Billawar in the Kathua district via Ghati Heights.

In the operation, three jawans from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police were martyred.

Seven other security personnel, including Deputy SP Border Dheeraj Katoch and a para commando of the army, sustained injuries.

All the injured were transferred to hospitals in Jammu, with Katoch receiving treatment at the government medical college hospital in Kathua.

Attack Started At First Light

The operation began early on Friday morning, following reports from local civilians who observed terrorist movement in Ghati Heights at 7 AM on Thursday.

Police and SOG teams, led by SDPO Border Dheeraj Katoch, rushed to the location and engaged in a fierce gun battle with the terrorists.

The attackers, well-equipped with advanced weaponry such as M4 carbines, also used grenades during the firefight. Later, army personnel, including para commandos, were air-dropped into the area to assist.

The three slain police officers have been identified as Tariq Ahmad from Reasi, Jaswant Singh from Londi, Hiranagar, and Balwinder Singh from Kana Chak, Kathua.

All were selection-grade constables in J&K Police.

Terrorists Believed to Be from Jaish-e-Mohammed

Sources believe the terrorists are members of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group.

The terrorists were highly trained and armed with sophisticated weapons. The gunfight triggered intense explosions, and the army used rocket launchers to eliminate the attackers.

Local youth were seen assisting the security forces by carrying heavy weapons and ammunition deep into the gorge.

Officials speculate that two more terrorists may still be hiding in the area.

Special army para commandos were air-dropped on Thursday evening to reinforce the security cordon.

Drones have detected the bodies of three terrorists, which are expected to be retrieved on Friday morning once the operation concludes.

The operation continues, with senior police officers on the ground overseeing the progress.

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