Three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, all believed to be Pakistani nationals, were killed in an ongoing encounter in the Passerkut area of Chhatru in Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said. Security forces recovered the charred remains of the slain terrorists along with weapons and other war-like stores from the site.
The joint operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was launched on specific intelligence inputs. While three terrorists have been neutralised, one or two others are suspected to be still on the run, and search operations are continuing in the area.
Though the identities of the slain terrorists were not officially confirmed, it is believed that top Jaish commander Saifullah, a Pakistani national wanted in several encounters since 2021, may be among those killed. However, official confirmation was awaited.
The encounter began around 11 am after security forces established contact with terrorists hiding in a temporary hutment in the difficult terrain of Passerkut. According to local sources, the forces came under heavy fire, triggering a fierce exchange.
Earlier, on February 4, security forces had killed one terrorist during Operation Trashi-I in the Dichhar area of Chhatru. However, Jaish commander Saifullah had managed to escape.
