Eight soldiers of the Indian Army were injured in a fierce encounter with terrorists on Sunday (January 18) in the inaccessible and dense forest area of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began in the afternoon in Sonar area, north-east of Chatru, when security forces were conducting a joint search operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police.
According to officials, the team encountered two to three Pakistan-backed terrorists, who are associated with the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. On seeing the security forces, the terrorists started firing indiscriminately with the intention of breaking the cordon and also threw grenades. In response, the soldiers also took charge and gave a strong response.
The encounter lasted for several hours and intermittent firing continued till around 5:40 pm, after which temporary peace was observed in the area. However, security forces have surrounded the entire area and are continuing the search operation. In view of the situation, additional forces from the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police were sent to the spot so that the terrorists did not get any chance to get out of the siege.
The Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps has named this operation ‘Operation Trashi-I’. The army said the action is being taken in close coordination with the civil administration and other security agencies. The soldiers displayed professional skill and determination amidst difficult geographical conditions and challenging weather.
The eight soldiers injured during the encounter suffered injuries mainly from grenade shrapnel. Everyone has been immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and their condition is being constantly monitored.
To intensify the search for terrorists, security forces have started using state-of-the-art surveillance tools. Drones, sniffer dogs and additional search teams have been deployed in the area. This is the third major encounter in Jammu region this year. Earlier on January 7 and 13, there were clashes with terrorists in Kahog and Najote forests of Bilwar area of Kathua district.
This incident is being considered a link to the big anti-terrorism operation launched in the forest areas of Jammu in December 2025, the aim of which is to eliminate about three dozen terrorists hiding in the forests. On December 15 last year, a police officer had lost his life during an encounter in Soan village of Majalta area of Udhampur, while the terrorists had managed to escape taking advantage of the dense forest and darkness.
Security agencies have increased vigilance ahead of Republic Day celebrations. According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan-based handlers are making desperate attempts to infiltration of more terrorists. Security forces say the operation will continue with full force to ensure the security of the area and thwart cross-border terrorism.
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