Top Jaish commander among 2 terrorists killed in encounter in J&K's Udhampur

Two Pakistani terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed on Wednesday during a prolonged over 20-hour counter-terror operation in the remote Jophar Forest area of Basantgarh, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. One of the slain militants was identified as Avu Mavia , a top JeM commander active in the region for several years.

The Army named the mission Operation Kiya , an intelligence-driven joint counter-terror operation aimed at locating and neutralising terrorists hiding in dense forest and cave terrain. Troops from the Counter-Intelligence Force Delta and the White Knight Corps , in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF , executed the operation, establishing a reinforced cordon to prevent any escape.

Contact with the militants was first established on Tuesday, and security forces successfully prevented them from breaking contact. Following a carefully coordinated response, both terrorists were neutralised. The Army described the operation as a demonstration of seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision, and high standards of professionalism .

The body of one terrorist was found at the mouth of a natural cave, while the other was discovered deeper inside. Security forces recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition , including an M4 carbine and an AK assault rifle . Officials confirmed no casualties among security personnel , and the area remains under close surveillance to prevent any further threats.

The elimination of a top JeM commander is seen as a significant tactical success, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in countering militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.