Terror Encounter Breaks Out in J&K’s Kathua, Security Forces Trap Terrorists

An exchange of fire broke out between security forces and suspected terrorists in a remote part of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednesday evening, officials said. The encounter began in Kahog village of the Billawar area after security agencies launched a cordon-and-search operation following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants.

According to officials, two to three terrorists are believed to be hiding in the forested stretch near Kamadh Nullah and have been surrounded by the forces. The gunfight started after a Special Operations Group (SOG) team came in contact with the militants during the search.

Inspector General of Police (Jammu zone) Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed the development in a post on X, saying that SOG Kathua had engaged terrorists in the forest area of Kamadh Nullah. He added that despite challenging conditions such as darkness, dense vegetation and difficult terrain, the forces continued the operation, with teams of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also joining the joint effort.

Earlier in the day, local residents reported spotting a suspicious individual in the Kamadh Nullah area under the Billawar police station limits. Officials said the person could be the same militant who was seen in Dhannu Parole earlier, prompting heightened security and search operations across the region. Additional reinforcements have since been rushed to the spot to prevent any escape.

The encounter is being described as the first major counter-terror operation of 2026 in the region. Senior officers, including the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, are personally monitoring the situation.

Firing was continuing from both sides at the time of the last update, and the operation remains underway. Authorities said the situation is under close watch and further details will be shared as the operation progresses.