Two terrorists, affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), have been killed so far in an ongoing encounter that erupted on Sunday between security forces and militants in a remote forest area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.The militants were discovered sheltering in a mud house at the base of a hill and began firing at the advancing search teams, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire, officials said.The exchange of fire began after army troops launched a search operation in the snow-bound Chatroo forests following intelligence about two suspects. “Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from J&K police and IB and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under Operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area. Following successful contact established earlier, troops of CIF Delta, in close coordination with J&K police and CRPF, re-engaged the terrorists at approximately 11am in challenging terrain. Displaying tactical precision, seamless synergy and resolute aggression, troops dominated the encounter site wherein two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. War-like stores, including two AK-47 rifles have also been recovered,” said the Army.Reinforcements have been deployed. The area saw several gunfights last month, leaving a soldier and a militant dead.
