Two Militants Killed in Udhampur Encounter; Security Forces Widen Search Operation

UDHAMPUR, September 17: Two militants were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, after a joint team launched a counter-terror operation following intelligence inputs about suspicious movement in the Majalta area. Security forces have widened searches in nearby forested areas following the gunfight.

Two Militants Killed in Overnight Gunfight

The encounter took place during the intervening night of September 16 and 17 in the Brattal-Sohan area of Majalta.

According to the Army’s White Knight Corps, the operation was launched after confirmed intelligence inputs indicated the presence of militants in the area. Security forces said the militants opened fire during the search, leading to an exchange of fire in which two were killed.

The identities and affiliations of the two killed militants were still being established at the time of reporting.

Army, CRPF and J&K Police Conduct Joint Operation

The counter-terror operation involved personnel from the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Security personnel carried out the operation despite difficult terrain, poor visibility and adverse weather conditions in the forested region.

The Army has referred to the operation as Operation Sohan.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered

Security forces recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site after the two militants were killed.

Officials are examining the recovered material and working to establish the identity, nationality and organisational links of those killed.

Some reports citing preliminary security inputs have suggested a possible link to Jaish-e-Mohammad, but an official confirmation of their affiliation had not been publicly established at the time of reporting.

Search Operation Expanded Across Majalta

Security forces have expanded the search operation across the Majalta belt and adjoining forest areas to determine whether any additional militants are present.

Reinforcements have been deployed and security personnel are carrying out combing and surveillance operations across the difficult terrain.

The area had already been under heightened surveillance following intelligence inputs about suspicious movement in recent days.

Security Activity Intensified Across Jammu Region

The Udhampur operation comes amid increased counter-terror activity across parts of the Jammu region.

Earlier this week, Rajouri Police said they had arrested three people while investigating an alleged overground worker network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, and recovered an improvised explosive device following information from one of the accused.

Security agencies have continued surveillance and search operations across forested and mountainous areas of Udhampur and neighbouring districts following intelligence inputs about militant movement.

The Udhampur search operation remains underway, with authorities monitoring the area for any further security threats.

source – The Indian Express / Times of India / ANI

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