Fresh Gunfight in Kathua’s Billawar: Security Forces Renew Clash with Terrorists
Jammu & Kashmir: Security forces on Tuesday re-engaged with terrorists in the Billawar area of Kathua district, marking a renewed chapter in an ongoing anti-terror operation that has gripped the rugged forests of this border region.
According to official sources, a cordon and search operation was underway in the forested terrain near Billawar following specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of militants there.
During the search, terrorists opened fire on the advancing forces, prompting a gunbattle between the militants and joint security teams.
Additional reinforcements were rushed to the area to tighten the security cordon, as forces worked to prevent any escape in the dense hills and woods.
At the time of reporting, the encounter was still active and ongoing, with officials continuing their efforts to neutralize the threat.
This fresh exchange of gunfire follows earlier operations in the Billawar region that were launched after locals and intelligence sources reported suspicious movement of terrorists.
Security forces had previously made contact with terrorists on January 7, when militants opened fire during combing operations in the Kamad Nullah forests.
In the initial phase of the operation last week, joint teams comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG), local police, Indian Army personnel, and CRPF had cordoned off remote stretches near Kahog village after intelligence suggested that two to three terrorists—believed to be affiliated with Pakistan-based outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed—were hiding in the area.
Security forces have intensified their search efforts in the hilly and forested tracts around Billawar in recent days, stepping up vigilance ahead of Republic Day celebrations to thwart any possible threats and ensure the safety of civilians living nearby.
Officials have maintained that details of the operations, including casualties or arrests, will be shared as they become available, underlining that the situation remains fluid and subject to change as the search continues.
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