Army to keep neutralising terrorists, dismantle support network: Maj Gen APS Bal

Jammu, Feb 23: General Officer Commanding (GOC) CIF(D) Maj Gen APS Bal on Monday asserted that the army in synergy with other forces would keep neutralising terrorists and demolishing their support structure with an unflinching resolve.

“This is my pledge to people and warning to the anti-national elements that wherever they may be and in what form, they would be identified, targetted and eliminated,” Major General said.

He was addressing a press conference jointly with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti at Kishtwar, a day after the security forces, in a joint operation, killed three Jaish terrorists, including dreaded commander Saifullah in Passerkut area of Chhatru. DIG-DKR Shridhar Patil, besides other senior Army officials, was also present in the press conference.

Major General asserted that the ‘Operation Trashi-I’ manifested perseverance, clarity of thought, proper planning, high-standards of tactical precision and seamless inter-agency coordination and resoluteness.

Security forces in an operation spanning over a month in rugged terrains of Kishtwar successfully neutralised all four hard core Jaish terrorists, including dreaded commanded Saifullah, in “Operation Trashi-I.”

Prior to it, one terrorist was killed on February 4, 2026 in Chhatru.

“We achieved success as we worked as one force and with a single resolve. We were conscious that such prolonged operations could lead to fatigue among the troops so we ensured adequate rotation of troops. We always had sufficient troops in the reserve, either to be air-dropped by helicopters or to move on foot across extremely difficult terrain,” he added.

Major General APS Bal said that a major terror group operating in the area was being relentlessly pursued by the security forces. Operations were launched in April-May last year and were sustained despite heavy rains and snow during winters. “Successful contact with the group resulted in elimination of three hard core terrorists in April 2025, However the latest of the group code name Saifullah along with his close associate code name Adil and two other terrorists were surviving and were on the run,” he stated in the presser.

Major General Bal asserted, “The troops displayed exceptional tactical precision and swiftness, ensuring zero casualties among our own personnel. Role of army trained dog Tyson needs a special mention who actually initiated the operation on Sunday and entered the Dhok to ascertain the presence of terrorists. Terrorists opened fire during which Tyson was injured.”

He said that  based on the collaborative assessment of intelligence provided by JKP, IB and army sources, a Joint Counter Terrorist (CT) operation, codenamed Operation Trashi–I, was launched on January 14, 2026 in the Chhatru, Kishtwar region to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area by troops of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta under White Knight Corps including Assam Rifles, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

On January 18, 2026, contact was established with the terror group and their well prepared and stocked hideout was busted by the security forces.

“Relentless pursuit of the terrorists on the run resulted in elimination of one terrorist code named Adil on February 4, 2026 in Operation Trashi-1, besides two terrorists being neutralised in a separate operation, “Operation Kiya” on the same day. Following the contact of February 4, 2026, the Security Forces continued with grit and determination towards elimination of the remaining terrorists,” Major Gen Bal, joined by IGP Jammu stated.

The terrorists were re-engaged at approximately 1100 hours on February 22, 2026.

“Displaying high standards of tactical precision, seamless inter-agency coordination and resolute operational efficiency, Security Forces including JKP and CRPF, rigorously pursued the terrorist group in the challenging and rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions. The final encounter site in which three terrorists were successfully neutralised on steep slopes of a rugged mountain was cordoned by the security forces on the night of February 21-22, 2026,” he shared the sequence of operation.

“The Army utilized real-time surveillance drones and night vision equipment to track and contain terrorist movement, preventing any potential escape. CIF (D), under the aegis of White Knight Corps, Northern Command, in close coordination with JKP and CRPF, and based on intelligence inputs from multiple sources, have eliminated 6 Pakistan sponsored terrorists in its area of responsibility over the past 20 days,” Maj Gen Bal said.

The formation would continue to undertake intelligence-based operations, sustain operational momentum and maintain dominance in the area of responsibility, he added. It was pointed out that reinforcements, including special forces, were quickly mobilized.

“During the search of the area, till now, war-like stores including three AK-47 rifles have been recovered along with bodies of the slain terrorists. The operation reflected seamless coordination between the Army, CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, notably the SOG,” it was stated in the press conference.