Security forces have concluded an 18-month counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, eliminating a seven-member module of Jaish-e-Mohammed known as the “Israel Group.” The joint mission, led by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force, culminated in the killing of the final three militants in a high-altitude encounter. Officials described the group as heavily armed and responsible for multiple engagements since infiltrating in 2024. The operation highlights sustained intelligence coordination and tactical persistence in one of the region’s most challenging terrains.
Prolonged Operation Reaches Final Phase
After nearly a year and a half of coordinated pursuit, security forces announced the complete dismantling of a seven-member terrorist module affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. The group, which had infiltrated into Indian territory in April 2024, was reportedly active in the mountainous stretches of Kishtwar district.
Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti said the militants had been involved in at least 17 encounters with security forces during the period. The elimination of the final three members marked the culmination of what officials described as one of the most demanding sustained operations in recent years.
Joint Forces and Strategic Coordination
The mission was executed through close coordination among the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. Senior Army officials credited seamless inter-agency collaboration and actionable intelligence inputs for the operation’s success.
Major General APS Bal, General Officer Commanding of Counter-Insurgency Force Delta, stated that the operation required months of tracking, surveillance and calibrated engagement. Security personnel navigated rugged mountains, dense forests and extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and rain.
Advanced technology, including real-time drone feeds and night-vision systems, was deployed to maintain surveillance over suspected hideouts.
The Final Encounter
The concluding phase unfolded between February 21 and 22, when forces cordoned off a steep, high-altitude location in the Chhatroo area. Contact with the remaining militants was re-established around mid-morning on February 22.
Officials reported that the three militants, including a self-styled commander identified as Saifullah, were neutralised without any casualties among security personnel. The site was subsequently secured, and search operations led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and other war-like stores.
The absence of security force casualties during the final exchange was attributed to careful planning, reinforcement rotation and terrain familiarity.
Intelligence-Led Pursuit
Operation Trashi-I, launched on January 14, played a pivotal role in the final stages of the crackdown. Intelligence inputs from multiple agencies helped narrow the militants’ movement patterns. Contact established on January 18 led to the discovery of a well-equipped hideout.
One soldier lost his life in an earlier engagement during the operation, underscoring the risks involved in prolonged counterinsurgency missions. Subsequent encounters reduced the group’s strength, culminating in the elimination of a key operative earlier in February before the final assault.
Human and Tactical Dimensions
Officials highlighted the logistical complexity of operating in high-altitude terrain where reaching engagement zones often required six to eight hours of foot movement. Reinforcements, including Special Forces units, were strategically rotated to prevent operational fatigue.
An Army-trained dog named Tyson was deployed to verify militant presence inside a temporary mountain shelter. The canine sustained a bullet injury during the exchange of fire and was airlifted for medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that the dog is stable.
Such details reflect the multifaceted nature of modern counterterrorism operations, blending intelligence, technology and ground-level endurance.
Broader Security Implications
The neutralisation of the so-called “Israel Group” underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. While infiltration attempts and militant activity continue to pose threats, officials maintain that sustained intelligence coordination and operational persistence have significantly curtailed militant capabilities.
Security analysts note that long-duration operations in high-altitude zones demand not only tactical precision but also sustained logistical support and inter-agency trust. The conclusion of this 18-month pursuit signals a tactical victory, though vigilance remains essential.
Conclusion: A Calculated and Coordinated Effort
The dismantling of the seven-member Jaish-e-Mohammed module marks the end of a prolonged counterterror campaign defined by strategic patience and operational discipline. Conducted across unforgiving terrain and shifting conditions, the mission illustrates the evolving nature of security responses in sensitive regions.
While officials describe the outcome as a decisive success, the broader objective remains maintaining stability and preventing future infiltration attempts. In conflict-prone landscapes, such operations represent not just isolated engagements but part of a continuous security calculus shaped by intelligence, endurance and coordination.
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