J&K: 5 Terrorists Of Ghaznavi Force Killed As Army Foils 'Biggest' Infiltration Bid In 2 Years

In a press briefing by the Army, Major General Girish Kalia said the terrorists were heavily armed and appeared to be very well trained.

The five foreign terrorists killed by security forces on Friday morning belonged to the JK Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) and were seasoned in guerilla warfare, Major General Girish Kalia said at a media briefing. 

The heavily armed terrorists were gunned down along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, with the Army calling it the "biggest" infiltration bid to have been foiled since 2021, when India and Pakistan effected a ceasefire understanding.

"Joint security forces neutralised five highly trained foreign terrorists of JK Ghaznavi Force (JKGF). The terrorists, seasoned in guerilla warfare in Afghan-Pak theater, were trying to infiltrate into Indian territory in Jumagund area near LoC in Kupwara district," Major General Kalia said.

The operation, named Op Jumagund,  was launched based on specific intelligence received by Kupwara Police about the likely infiltration of the group. Multiple ambushes were set up along the expected routes of infiltration.

"On being intercepted, the terrorists attacked the joint ambush parties. This was retaliated by well-controlled firepower resulting in the encounter and consequent neutralisation without any loss to Indian security forces," the Army said.

The operation started late at midnight on Thursday and was completed in the early morning hours on Friday.

During combing operations, a large amount of arms and ammunition, including five AK series rifles, 15 magazines and grenades, and equipment such as night vision devices and binoculars were recovered.

The group was affiliated to JKGF, which has Rafiq Nai and Shamsher Nai, both residents of Poonch district and presently settled in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kaahmir (POJK), as handlers. Murtaza Pathan alias Ghaznvi, resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan, an Afgan veteran affiliated with Deoband school of thought, is the operational commander.

Maj Gen Kalia said Operation Jumagund was a reflection of the high level of synergy between the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police who have been working tirelessly to ensure that "our beloved J-K remains peaceful and continues to progress on the path of development and prosperity".