An intense encounter broke out early Thursday morning between security forces and terrorists in the Nader village of Tral, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Acting on credible intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon and search operation in the area, leading to the confrontation.
During the operation, three terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group were neutralized. The security forces acted swiftly after detecting suspicious movement in the village. According to officials, the terrorists were hiding in a shed and tried to resist capture by opening fire. In response, the security forces engaged in a fierce gunfight that lasted for several hours.
Drone footage released by the security agencies showed the terrorists taking cover in a structure before they were eliminated. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, and a search operation is still ongoing as more terrorists may be in the vicinity.
This is the second such operation in the region within the past 48 hours, reflecting an uptick in militant activity. Security forces have intensified their surveillance and intelligence-based operations across South Kashmir to maintain peace and prevent cross-border infiltration.
The elimination of three militants is seen as a major success for Indian security agencies, especially amid increasing concerns over attempts by terrorist groups to disrupt peace in the Union Territory. Locals were advised to remain indoors during the operation to ensure their safety.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the region and ensuring that any attempts to revive terrorism in the Kashmir Valley are met with strong counter-measures.
Further updates on the situation are awaited as the security operation continues in Pulwama.
