Thu Jul 03 06:53:15 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Based on a report from *The Hindu* published on July 3, 2025, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district are conducting a large-scale search operation to locate two to three terrorists hiding in a heavily forested area. The operation was initiated following an encounter between terrorists and security forces the previous night. Drones, sniffer dogs, and reinforcements are being used to aid in the search. Unconfirmed reports suggest one terrorist may have been injured. The terrorists are believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. This is the second encounter in the Jammu region within a week.

**News Article:**

**Security Forces Launch Major Anti-Terror Operation in Kishtwar, J&K**

**Jammu, July 3, 2025** – A large-scale search operation is currently underway in the Kanzal Mandu area of the Kuchal-Chatroo belt in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district as security forces attempt to track down two to three terrorists believed to be hiding in the heavily forested region. The operation, backed by drones, sniffer dogs, and additional reinforcements, follows an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces on Wednesday night.

The encounter began when police, assisted by the Army and CRPF, launched a cordon and search operation in the Kuchal area following intelligence reports of terrorist presence. According to officials, the terrorists opened fire on the search parties, leading to a gunfight that continued into Thursday morning. Unconfirmed reports suggest one terrorist may have been injured in the exchange.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to strengthen the cordon and neutralize the terrorists, who are suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. Top JeM terrorists Saifullah and Adil are believed to be operating in the hills of the district.

This is the second encounter in the Jammu region in the past week. On June 26, a Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Basantgarh belt of Udhampur district, while three of his associates escaped. Security forces continue their efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

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