According to official sources, the gunfight broke out when an Army search team came under sudden fire while conducting a deliberate search operation in the general area of Sonnar, northeast of Chatroo. The troops were part of a joint operation involving the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The terrorists, believed to be hiding in the dense and difficult terrain, fired indiscriminately and attempted to breach the security cordon by hurling grenades. The soldiers retaliated effectively, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire.
Operation Trashi-I Launched
The Indian Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps has named the ongoing mission “Operation Trashi-I.” In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Corps said contact with terrorists was established during a planned counter-terror exercise.
“Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon,” the Army said, adding that coordination with civil administration and other security agencies has been ensured to prevent civilian harm.
Terrorists Linked to Pakistan-Based Group
Officials said the terrorists involved are suspected to be two to three foreign militants belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. The group has been responsible for multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in the past.
The militants took advantage of thick forest cover and the challenging topography, which has historically made counter-terror operations in the region complex and time-consuming.
Heavy Reinforcements and Surveillance Deployed
Following the encounter, reinforcements from the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police were rushed to the area. Advanced surveillance tools, including drones and sniffer dogs, have been deployed to track the terrorists’ movement.
Security forces have tightened the cordon to prevent the militants from escaping into nearby forest belts. Night-time surveillance has also been enhanced due to the risk of terrorists attempting to flee under the cover of darkness.
Third Encounter in Jammu Region This Year
This incident marks the third encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region in 2026. Earlier encounters were reported in the Kahog and Najote forest areas of Kathua district on January 7 and January 13.
In December last year, a police officer was killed during a gunfight with terrorists in Udhampur district, underlining the persistent threat posed by infiltration attempts.
Security Tightened Ahead of Republic Day
Officials said counter-terror operations have been intensified across the Jammu region in the run-up to Republic Day celebrations. Intelligence inputs suggest renewed attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to push terrorists across the border.
The Army has reiterated its commitment to neutralising terror threats and ensuring peace and security in the region. More details are expected as Operation Trashi-I progresses.