Kishtwar, Feb 23 (JKNS): The Indian Army on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate terrorists operating in the region, stating that security forces will identify and neutralise them “wherever they are and in whatever form they operate,” following the successful culmination of Operation Trashi-I in the Chenab Valley.
Addressing a joint press conference in Kishtwar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Counter-Insurgency Force Delta (CIF Delta), Major General A.P.S. Bal, as per news agency JKNS said the operation marked the result of sustained intelligence-based efforts, coordinated planning and close synergy between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces.
He said the dismantled group, affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, had infiltrated in April 2024 and remained active across the Kishtwar–Udhampur belt for nearly 18 months. The group, calling itself the “Israel Group,” was engaged 17 times during this period.
According to officials, three hardcore terrorists were neutralised in April 2025, while the remaining members including commander code-named Saifullah and associate Adil continued to evade security forces despite operations in harsh weather and difficult mountainous terrain.
Operation Trashi-I
Based on specific intelligence inputs from the Army, JKP and Intelligence Bureau, a joint counter-terror operation—Operation Trashi-I—was launched on January 14, 2026 in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar.
The operation was carried out by CIF Delta under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police including Special Operations Group (SOG), CRPF and other supporting units.
Initial contact was established on January 18 when a well-stocked hideout was busted. On February 4, terrorist Adil was killed during Op Trashi-I, while two others were neutralised in a parallel action named Op Kiya.
The final engagement took place on the night of February 21–22, when forces cordoned off a mountainous area and eliminated the remaining three terrorists on February 22, completing the dismantling of the group.
“Our biggest success was ensuring that they did not escape from the defined operational grid,” the GOC said.
Zero Casualties, Canine Tyson Martyred
Despite operating in snow-bound and rugged terrain for over a month, the Army reported zero casualties among security personnel. However, Army dog Tyson lost his life during the operation after entering a mountain hut (Dhok) to confirm the presence of terrorists.
Officials said Tyson’s action triggered the final engagement, and he was fatally injured after terrorists opened fire.
Technology and Recoveries
Security forces made extensive use of surveillance drones, night-vision devices and other advanced equipment to track terrorist movement and prevent escape. Reinforcements, including specialised units, were deployed to tighten the operational grid.
During search operations, war-like stores including three AK-47 rifles were recovered along with the bodies of the slain terrorists.
Officials said that over the past 20 days, six Pakistan-sponsored terrorists have been eliminated in the Kishtwar–Udhampur belt under the area of responsibility of CIF Delta.
Support Network Under Probe
The Army indicated that the group had logistical backing and said investigations are underway to identify and dismantle the local support structure that facilitated movement and supplies to the hideouts.
Reiterating its resolve, the Army said intelligence-driven operations will continue to maintain operational dominance in the region.
“Whoever is the enemy of the nation, wherever he is and in whichever form he is, he will be identified, targeted and neutralised,” the GOC asserted. (JKNS)
