Kishtwar Encounter: Two Jaish Terrorists Neutralized in J&K's Chatroo
An encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on February 22, 2026, resulted in the neutralization of two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists during a search operation. Security forces, including the Army, Police, and CRPF, recovered two AK-47 rifles and other warlike stores. The operation, codenamed 'Trashi-I,' is part of intensified counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Key Highlights
- Two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists killed in Kishtwar's Chatroo belt.
- Operation 'Trashi-I' conducted by Army, JKP, and CRPF.
- Two AK-47 rifles and warlike stores recovered from the encounter site.
- Terrorists identified as Pakistani nationals affiliated with JeM.
- Encounter is part of ongoing intensified counter-terrorism operations.
- One soldier martyred and several injured in previous encounters this month.
A significant counter-terrorism operation in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, February 22, 2026, led to the neutralization of two terrorists associated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. The encounter broke out in the Chatroo belt, specifically in the Passerkut area, after joint teams of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a meticulously planned search operation.
Security forces initiated the operation based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of two suspected Pakistani terrorists in a remote forested area. As troops advanced and closed in on a mud house on the foothills of a hill where the terrorists were hiding, they came under indiscriminate fire. The security personnel retaliated effectively, leading to an intense gunfight that ultimately resulted in the killing of both terrorists.
Preliminary information suggests that both slain terrorists were Pakistani nationals and members of the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad. Notably, some reports also indicated that a 'top JeM commander' was among those neutralized. Following the successful engagement, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, including two AK-47 rifles and other warlike stores. The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps, which has been spearheading these operations, confirmed the neutralization of the terrorists and the recovery of weapons.
The operation, codenamed 'Operation Trashi-I,' highlights the sustained efforts by Indian security forces to eradicate the lingering presence of terrorists in the challenging terrains of the Kishtwar district. This particular encounter on February 22nd is part of a broader series of counter-terrorism activities in the region. The Chatroo forest belt, in particular, has witnessed several gunfights between security forces and terrorists over the past month, signifying a renewed focus on disrupting militant activities.
Earlier phases of 'Operation Trashi-I' in January 2026 saw significant engagements. On January 18, during a search operation in the Sonnar area near Mandral-Singhpora in Chatroo, an initial gunfight broke out, resulting in injuries to three soldiers. Later reports updated this, stating that eight Army soldiers were injured, and tragically, one paratrooper was martyred. Despite these setbacks, security forces maintained pressure, re-establishing contact with the holed-up terrorists on January 22nd in the dense forests of Singhpora. The terrorists, however, managed to evade capture temporarily, forcing security forces to intensify their cordon and search operations, even amidst heavy snowfall.
The consistent targeting of JeM cadres, often identified as foreign mercenaries, underscores the cross-border nature of the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The recovery of AK-47 rifles further indicates the heavy armament carried by these groups. The ongoing operations by the Indian Army, JKP, and CRPF are crucial for maintaining peace and security in the union territory and for thwarting attempts to revive militancy. The Army has reiterated its resolve, stating that 'the hunt continues – those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary.' The successful neutralization of two terrorists on February 22, 2026, marks another significant achievement in these concerted anti-terror efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir?
On February 22, 2026, an encounter broke out in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar during a search operation by security forces, resulting in the killing of two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists.
Which terrorist group was involved in the Kishtwar encounter?
The terrorists neutralized in the encounter were affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit.
What was the name of the operation?
The ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, including this encounter, are part of 'Operation Trashi-I' led by the Indian Army's White Knight Corps.
Were any weapons recovered from the encounter site?
Yes, security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles and other warlike stores from the neutralized terrorists.
Have there been other recent encounters in Kishtwar?
Yes, the Chatroo forest belt has seen nearly half a dozen gunfights between terrorists and security forces in the past month, with one soldier martyred and several injured in earlier phases of 'Operation Trashi-I' in January 2026.