3 JeM Terrorists Killed in Kishtwar Encounter; Army Reaffirms Resolve for Terror-Free J&K

PTI, Feb 22, 2026, Jammu: Three members of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said.

The bodies of all the slain terrorists were charred beyond recognition as the mud house they were hiding in caught fire during the gunfight, they said, adding that preliminary assessments by security agencies suggest that one of the deceased is Saifullah, a notorious JeM commander.

He had reportedly infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago and had since remained active in the region, allegedly masterminding several deadly attacks on security forces, including one in July 2024 that left four soldiers dead. Saifullah had escaped a number of encounters in the past.

The officials said the body of the third terrorist, along with a weapon, was retrieved from the gutted hideout of the ultras in the evening.

Earlier, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma complimented the White Knight Corps troops for their "swift and precise" action to neutralise the terrorists.

"The Army Commander commends the commanders and troops on the ground for their persistence in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Northern Command remains committed to ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir," the Army said in a post on X.

The terrorists were neutralised during the "Trashi-I" operation in the general area of Passerkut in the Chatroo belt, and two AK-47 rifles, along with ammunition, were seized.

"Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from J-K Police, IB (Intelligence Bureau), 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," the White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

Displaying tactical precision, seamless synergy, and resolute aggression, the troops dominated the encounter site, the Army said. "The hunt continues – those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary," it added.

Sharing preliminary information, the officials said the terrorists were hiding inside a mud house on the foothills and opened fire on the approaching search parties, leading to an intense gunfight. The mud house caught fire during the gunfight and was gutted.

The charred bodies of the terrorists were retrieved from the scene and efforts are on to identify them, the officials said, adding that the intelligence inputs had suggested the presence of Saifullah and two of his associates, both Pakistani nationals.