326 days, harsh terrain, tight intelligence network: How troops shot down 7 terrorists in Kishtwar | India News

New Delhi: The Indian Army on Monday said it has neutralized seven terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after nearly a year of sustained joint operations in the high-altitude Chhatra belt. The operation was carried out by the White Knights Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, after months of tracking militants through dense forests and rugged mountains.Detailing the scale of the operation, the White Knight Corps said, “326 days of relentless, grueling, high-altitude joint operations were conducted in the Kishtwa region. Troops tracked terrorists and made multiple contacts across daunting terrain in cold, wet and icy weather conditions.”According to the force, the force, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, “ultimately neutralized all seven of the dreaded terrorists” in Kishtwar Chhatru using “a tight intelligence network established by civilian and military intelligence agencies”. Modern tools play a central role, the Army said, adding, “Technology in the form of FPV drones, satellite imagery, remotely piloted aircraft/drones, communications, etc. are continuously utilized to assist operations.”Three members of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were killed in a clash in the forest foothills on Sunday. Officials said the militants opened fire from inside the mud hut as search teams approached. During the shootout, the mud hut caught fire and the bodies recovered were charred beyond recognition. Initial assessments indicate that one of the victims was Saifullah, a senior commander who is believed to have infiltrated the group nearly five years ago and has been linked to several deadly attacks.“The relentless pursuit and determination of our troops, which resulted in the elimination of Saifullah and his associates, proves that nothing can stand in the way of the determination, courage and bravery of our uniformed and intelligence community personnel,” the White Knights said.Speaking about Operation Trashi-I, Delta Counter-Insurgency Force Commander Major General Apus Bal said the militants had local support. “They have a support system available and without that support system this would not have been possible… without any support it would not have been possible and the police are fully aware of that and without naming names they (police) have the information and they will take necessary action against everyone.…”Calling the mission a model of coordination, he said, “The recently concluded Operation Trahi was a perfect example of perseverance…seamless coordination at all levels…everyone contributed to the success of this operation.” He added that the troops acted “in a very calm, collected, collective, collaborative manner” and were successful, “especially without causing any casualties… except for the brave dog Tyson, who actually initiated the operation…”