J&K: 3 Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists Killed In Gunfight In Doda

The encounter occurred in Bajaad village in the Gandoh area, around 9:50 AM. It followed twin terrorist attacks on June 11 and 12, which left security personnel injured, including a policeman. 

Three suspected terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed in a gunfight lasting over six hours in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

The encounter occurred in Bajaad village in the Gandoh area, beginning around 9:50 AM during an intensified cordon-and-search operation jointly conducted by the police, Amry, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It followed twin terrorist attacks on June 11 and 12, which left security personnel injured, including a policeman. 

As per the PTI report, security forces had heightened their anti-terror operations and announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information on four Pakistani terrorists suspected to have infiltrated the region. 

During the operation in Sinoo panchayat, terrorists hiding in a mud house opened heavy fire on the security forces. In the ensuing exchange, one terrorist was killed, according to PTI. This led the gunfire to become intense and after several explosions, two more terrorists were killed. 

As per the report, security forces recovered a major amount of cache of arms and ammunition, including two M4 carbines and an AK-series assault rifle from the slain terrorists. 

While the exact identity and group affiliations of terrorists were yet to be confirmed, the PTI report said that the preliminary investigations suggested they were members of JeM and likely infiltrated from Pakistan. 

The encounter, which involved an Army helicopter for surveillance, concluded around 4 PM, PTI reported. Notably, Security forces continued to conduct thorough searches to ensure no other terrorists remained in the area. 

Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, along with other senior police officials, visited the site to oversee the operation. 

This incident marks the second major encounter in the Jammu region this month, following a similar operation on June 11, 12 in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, where two Pakistani terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed. 

Authorities attribute the recent surge in terrorist activities in Jammu to efforts by Pakistani handlers to reignite unrest in the region and disrupt peace. As a precautionary measure, internet and mobile services have been suspended in Gandoh and nearby areas.