Encounter Breaks Out in Kathua After Terrorists Open Fire on Security Forces

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday launched an anti-terror operation in the Billawar area of Kathua district after terrorists opened fire on a patrolling team, officials said.

The encounter began during a cordon-and-search operation when Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants started firing at the security forces. Personnel immediately retaliated, leading to a gunfight in the area.

Officials said the operation was initiated following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists in the region. Security forces had cordoned off the area and intensified search efforts when the militants opened fire.

The latest operation comes just days after security forces carried out a similar search operation in Kathua district to track down terrorists believed to have infiltrated the area. Additional forces have been deployed, and the operation is ongoing, officials added.