Indian Army assault dog Tyson, a German Shepherd attached to the elite 2 Para Special Forces, has been honoured with a Mention-in-Dispatches (MiD) for displaying “bravery and extraordinary courage” during an anti-terror operation in a remote area of the Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tyson’s name figured among the 89 Mention-in-Despatches approved by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of Independence Day 2026. The honour recognises his role during Operation Rakshak earlier this year.
Tyson displayed exceptional courage during an encounter with terrorists in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar in February this year.
During a joint operation by the Army, J&K Police and CRPF, security forces were searching for terrorists believed to be hiding in a mud hutment, or dhok, in the Passerkot area.
Leading the advance, Tyson detected the presence of the hiding terrorists and moved towards the suspected hideout. The terrorists opened fire, hitting the K9 trooper in his front right leg. Despite being wounded, Tyson continued advancing, helping the troops accurately locate the terrorists’ position.
The encounter resulted in the killing of three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including a senior commander, according to officials. Tyson was subsequently airlifted for medical treatment and was reported to be stable and recovering.
Tyson’s Role in the Operation
Army-trained Tyson was deployed with a 2 Para special forces team during the operation in the Chhatroo belt and was sent ahead of the troops to verify the presence of terrorists at the suspected hideout.
According to the account, Tyson crawled towards a mud structure where the terrorists were believed to be hiding. As he advanced, the terrorists opened fire, hitting him in the leg.
Despite being wounded, Tyson did not turn back. He continued towards the hideout, drawing fire and helping the troops establish the terrorists’ location. His actions provided security forces with confirmation of the terrorists’ presence and helped them move closer to the suspected hideout.
Three Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists Killed
Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were subsequently killed during the operation. One of them was identified as Saifullah, a senior JeM commander who had allegedly infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir years earlier and was wanted in connection with attacks on security forces.
Tyson belongs to the Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps and is trained for high-risk counter-insurgency missions, including tracking terrorists and detecting explosives.
He is not simply a dog accompanying Army personnel but an assault dog trained to operate in potentially dangerous areas, locate hidden terrorists, detect threats and assist troops in determining the positions of hostile forces.
Tyson’s actions in Kishtwar highlighted the critical role played by military K9s in counter-terror operations, particularly in the difficult and mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
The President’s Mention-in-Despatches has now formally recognised Tyson’s contribution alongside that of the personnel who participated in the operation.