Indian Army Remains Resolute in Eliminating Cross-Border Terror Threat
In a significant escalation of counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army jawans faced a fierce gunbattle with terrorists in the remote and densely forested upper reaches of Kishtwar district on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The clash, part of the ongoing Operation Trashi-I, resulted in eight Indian Army personnel sustaining injuries, with reports indicating that three of them are in critical condition.
The encounter unfolded in the Sonar (also referred to as Son Nar or Sonnar) area, northeast of Chatroo in Kishtwar, a rugged high-altitude terrain perched around 3,670 meters above sea level. This region, characterized by thick forests, steep slopes, and natural caves, has long served as a challenging hideout for infiltrators attempting to establish bases in the Jammu division.
According to official statements from the Indian Army‘s Jammu-based White Knight Corps, contact with the terrorists was established during a deliberate search operation conducted as part of joint counter-terror exercises involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The operation was launched around noon based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a small group of terrorists hiding in the area.
Security forces swiftly cordoned off the zone in a cordon-and-search operation (CASO). However, the situation turned intense when one of the search teams encountered two to three foreign terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based notorious outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed several grenades in a desperate bid to break the cordon, leading to splinter injuries among the Indian Army jawans.
The exchange of fire lasted for several hours, with intermittent firing reported until around 5:40 pm. The Indian Army jawans retaliated effectively, forcing the terrorists to retreat deeper into the terrain. Reinforcements were immediately rushed to the site, including additional troops from the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, to tighten the cordon and prevent any escape. Advanced surveillance tools, such as drones and sniffer dogs, have been deployed to aid the search and track the hiding terrorists.
Of the eight injured Indian Army personnel, most suffered splinter wounds from the grenade explosions. The critically injured jawans were airlifted or evacuated by local assistance to nearby hospitals and further to advanced medical facilities for urgent treatment. The Indian Army has commended the troops for their exceptional professionalism and resolve in responding to hostile fire under such challenging conditions.
This Kishtwar encounter marks the third major clash between security forces and terrorists in the Jammu region in 2026 alone. Earlier incidents occurred in the Kahog and Najote forests of the Billawar area in Kathua district on January 7 and 13, respectively. These operations follow intensified counter-terror efforts in the Jammu division’s hilly districts — including Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur, and Reasi — amid intelligence reports of Pakistani terrorists infiltrating and hiding in the forested mountain terrain.
Officials believe nearly 35 foreign terrorists may still be holed up in the Chenab Valley’s dense forests, particularly in Doda and Kishtwar. Winter months, with heavy snowfall restricting movement, provide security forces an opportunity to flush out these elements. Operations have been ramped up in the run-up to Republic Day celebrations to thwart any potential attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to push more infiltrators or disrupt peace.
Jaish-e-Mohammed, a UN-designated terrorist group, has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, including the Pulwama bombing in 2019. The suspected involvement of JeM cadres in this Kishtwar operation underscores the persistent threat from cross-border terrorism.
As of January 19, 2026, search operations resumed at first light after a night-long pause, with no fresh contact reported with the terrorists. A massive hunt continues to locate and neutralize the trapped group of two to three terrorists. The Indian Army and joint forces remain on high alert, ensuring the area is secured.
This incident highlights the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army and security forces in safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism. The bravery of the jawans, who continue to operate in hostile and unforgiving terrain, deserves the nation’s gratitude and support.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Operation Trashi-I progresses against terrorists in Kishtwar. The Indian Army remains resolute in its mission to eliminate all threats and restore complete peace in the region.
