Security forces on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) launched large-scale cordon-and-search operations across the upper reaches of Kishtwar, Doda, and Poonch districts in Jammu and Kashmir following fresh intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, officials said.
According to security sources, two groups of JeM militants, each comprising two to three ultras, are believed to be operating in the region, which has seen a surge in terror-related activity over the past several months.
What did the security forces do in the anti-terror operations?
Acting on specific inputs, joint teams of the Army and other security agencies initiated an anti-terror operation in the dense forests of the Keshwan–Chatroo valley in Doda-Kishtwar.
Drones were deployed to provide real-time aerial surveillance and track suspicious movement in the difficult terrain.
What operation was carried out along the LoC in Poonch?
Simultaneously, Army troops carried out extensive search operations at Khanetar Top along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district and in adjoining areas after reports of suspicious movement.
The troops were supported by aerial surveillance assets and sniffer dogs to comb the forested and mountainous areas effectively.
How are these operations part of increased security measures?
The renewed operations come against the backdrop of heightened militant activity in the Chenab Valley region.
On November 5, security forces engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists in the Kalaban forests of Chatroo in Kishtwar district.
What has been the Army’s anti-terror operations since Operation Sindoor?
In the past seven months alone, Kishtwar has witnessed at least six encounters as security forces continue to hunt Pakistan-based militants believed to be hiding in the rugged hilly terrain.
The security situation remains tense following the killing of a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan during a gunfight in Sohan village of Udhampur district on December 15, underscoring the persistent threat posed by infiltrating terror groups in the region.