Kishtwar, January 19, 2026: Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district resumed search operations on Monday morning after a brief night-long halt, aiming to track down terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of the region.

The operation, named “Trashi-I”, is taking place in Sonnar village, near Mandral-Singhpora in the Chatroo belt. It began on Sunday but had to be suspended late that night due to the extremely challenging terrain, which includes steep slopes, thick vegetation, and limited visibility, making movement and tactical manoeuvres difficult.

Background of the Operation

The ongoing search mission follows a gunfight on Sunday, during which eight soldiers sustained injuries, primarily from splinters caused by a grenade attack by the terrorists. Security forces believe that two to three terrorists, allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), are trapped in the area.

The army, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces, has established a tight security cordon and is conducting thorough combing operations. The forces are supported by drones, sniffer dogs, and additional reinforcements to ensure the terrorists cannot escape.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Jammu-based White Knight Corps highlighted the professionalism and determination of the troops in responding to hostile fire under difficult terrain conditions, while maintaining close coordination with civil administration and other security agencies.

No Fresh Contact Yet

As of the latest updates, there has been no fresh contact with the terrorists, but operations continue, with multiple teams methodically searching the region for any signs of the suspects.

Regional Counter-Terror Context

This encounter marks the third clash between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region in January 2026. Earlier incidents took place in:

• Kahog and Najote forests in Billawar, Kathua district, on January 7 and 13, respectively.

On December 15, 2025, a police officer was killed in Soan village, Majalta area of Udhampur, during an encounter where terrorists escaped under the cover of darkness and dense foliage.

The current operations are part of a larger counter-terrorist drive launched in December 2025 to flush out nearly three dozen holed-up terrorists in the forested belts of the Jammu region.

Republic Day Security and Intelligence Inputs

Officials noted that operations have been intensified ahead of Republic Day 2026, to ensure peaceful celebrations across the region. Intelligence inputs indicate attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to infiltrate more terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, prompting heightened vigilance and targeted operations.

The army and security agencies remain on high alert, employing joint exercises and coordinated efforts to neutralize threats while minimizing risks to civilians in surrounding areas.

The Kishtwar operations underscore the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the Jammu region, including difficult terrain, determined terrorist cadres, and cross-border infiltration attempts, while also reflecting a steady push by authorities to secure the region ahead of key national events.