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Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir - Three police officers were martyred, and three terrorists were neutralized in a fierce day-long encounter in the remote forested areas of Kathua district, officials confirmed. Seven other security personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were injured in the operation led by the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), supported by the Army and CRPF.
Key Highlights of the Kathua Encounter:
👉 3 Police Officers Martyred – Including PSOs of a DSP-rank officer.
👉 3 Terrorists Neutralized – Bodies yet to be recovered due to rugged terrain.
👉 7 Security Personnel Injured – DSP among the wounded; stable condition.
👉 Army Airdrops Special Troops – Night ops paused, search resumes at dawn.
👉 2 More Terrorists Likely Trapped – Drones detect possible casualties.
👉 JeM-Linked Group Claims Attack – PAFF (JeM proxy) takes responsibility.
👉 Evidence of Fresh Infiltration – M4 carbine mags, grenades, IED materials found.
The Gunfight & Casualties
The clash began around 8 AM near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area after security forces intercepted a group of five terrorists, suspected to be members of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Three policemen, including the DSP’s personal security officers (PSOs), were killed.
Three terrorists were gunned down, but their bodies remain unrecovered due to the difficult terrain.
Two more militants are believed to be trapped, with drones detecting possible casualties.
The injured DSP and two other policemen are in stable condition at Kathua Hospital. Two Army personnel were also wounded.
Ongoing Operation & Challenges
The operation was paused overnight due to darkness and the dense forest terrain but will resume at dawn. Special Army troops were air-dropped to tighten the cordon.
Officials suspect these terrorists may be the same group that escaped an earlier Hiranagar sector encounter on Sunday. Evidence recovered earlier—including M4 carbine magazines, grenades, IED materials, and Pakistani food packets—suggests recent infiltration, possibly via ravine routes or tunnels.
Proxy Outfit Claims Responsibility
The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a JeM proxy, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security agencies are verifying their involvement.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
The J&K Police has not yet officially confirmed the fatalities, stating "a clear picture will emerge by next morning" once teams reach the encounter site.
Why This Matters
This encounter highlights:
🔷 Increased militant movement in Jammu ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.
🔷 Terrorists’ use of dense forests for evasion.
🔷 Local support—dozens of youths assisted forces in carrying ammunition.
Stay tuned with Theindianhawk.com for further updates on the Kathua encounter. As the operation continues, more details will be shared. We will provide the latest news as soon as it becomes available. Keep following for real-time updates.
