Udhampur (J&K), February 4, 2026 — In a major breakthrough for national security, a joint team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police successfully neutralized two high-ranking Pakistani terrorists following a grueling 22-hour encounter in the Udhampur district.
The operation, codenamed Operation KIYA, culminated on Wednesday morning in the dense Jophar Forest area of Basantgarh, Ramnagar in District Udhampur.
Among the slain terrorists is a notorious Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander, marking a significant blow to the terror outfit’s infrastructure in the region.
Intelligence-Led Strike and 22-Hour GunbattleThe operation was initiated at approximately 4:00 PM yesterday after specific intelligence inputs were provided by the Jammu & Kashmir Police.
Acting on this data, troops from the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps (CIF Delta), alongside the CRPF and J&K Police SOG, launched a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO). As security forces closed in on the suspected hideout in the Jophar area, the hiding terrorists opened heavy fire, triggering an intense gunfight.
To prevent any chance of escape, the joint forces strategically sealed all exit points and maintained a tight cordon throughout the night, ensuring the terrorists were unable to break contact under the cover of darkness.
Following a calibrated final assault on Wednesday morning, the White Knight Corps confirmed the elimination of both terrorists via a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
As Per Sources One of the terrorist has been identified as Abu Muawiya, a top JeM commander who had been active in the region since late 2023 and was a primary target for security agencies.
The second terrorist was identified as Nikku, also known as Usman. Their neutralisation is seen as a pivotal success in dismantling the command structure of foreign-sponsored militancy in Jammu & Kashmir.
The initial search of the encounter site led to the recovery of high-grade weaponry, underscoring the lethal intent of the group. The seized items include One M4 Carbine Rifle,One AK-47 Assault Rifle,Two Hand GrenadesWhile the active gunfight has concluded, the area remains under strict surveillance.
A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) has been deployed to clear any potential improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or traps left behind.
The Indian Army emphasized that this operation showcased “seamless inter-agency coordination” and “tactical precision,” reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Udhampur sector.
