In a significant breakthrough amid escalating tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have neutralized two terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. The operation, which intensified on Wednesday, follows intense exchanges of fire that began late Tuesday evening.
Officials confirmed that the two terrorists were gunned down during the fierce encounter, with efforts underway to recover their bodies. Sporadic gunfire continues to echo through the rugged terrain, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the mission.
The confrontation erupted when security personnel spotted militants firing from a cave hideout. Advanced drone surveillance pinpointed their exact location, prompting a swift cordon-and-search operation. Joint teams of army, CRPF, and local police executed the maneuver with precision, sealing off escape routes and minimizing risks to their personnel.
This calculated approach has been pivotal, as forces adapted their tactics based on real-time intelligence. Authorities suspect more terrorists may be lurking in the vicinity, prompting heightened vigilance. Local residents in nearby villages have been advised to remain indoors until the area is fully secured.
The Udhampur operation is part of a broader counter-terrorism drive across districts like Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda, where terrorist presence poses a persistent threat. A high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on January 8 emphasized the urgent elimination of these infiltrators, mostly believed to be Pakistani nationals, and strengthening vigilance along the Line of Control.
Shah is set to commence a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir starting February 5, during which he will inspect international border areas and chair another security review in Jammu city. Security forces remain fully in control, poised to counter any emerging threats with unwavering resolve.