A fierce gunfight broke out on Wednesday between security forces and terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. According to official reports, four heavily armed terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group have been trapped in the region.
The encounter began after a joint search operation was launched in the neighboring Kathua area, based on specific intelligence inputs. The security forces established contact with the terrorists near the Kathua-Basantgarh border, a defense spokesperson confirmed.
Police officials stated that the area has been fully cordoned off to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Both sides have exchanged a few rounds of gunfire, but there are no reports of casualties so far. The operation is ongoing, and additional reinforcements have been deployed to neutralize the terrorists.
Jaish-e-Mohammed, a proscribed terrorist organization, has a long history of violent attacks in India. The group was behind the deadly 2019 Pulwama bombing, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
Security forces are maintaining high alert in the region as the operation progresses. More details about the encounter are awaited as authorities continue their efforts to bring the situation under control.