J-K: Two soldiers killed in gunfight; Two terrorists neutralized in separate operation

New Delhi: Four Indian Army soldiers were injured in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Two soldiers lost their lives, according to a senior army official.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the incident, stating that a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police was initiated after receiving critical intelligence inputs about terrorist activity in the area.

"Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar. A contact with the terrorists was established at 1530 hrs. In the ensuing firefight, four army personnel were injured. The operation is currently ongoing," the Indian Army posted on X.

Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in area Chatroo at #Kishtwar.
A contact was established and scout leading the patrol exchanged heavy volume of fire with the terrorists at 1530 hrs.
In the ensuing firefight four army personnel… pic.twitter.com/1KJn3M8UBo

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) September 13, 2024

Terrorist encounter in Pingnal Dugadda Forest

The Jammu and Kashmir Police also issued a statement confirming that the gunfight occurred in the Pingnal Dugadda forest area, located in the upper reaches of Naidgham village, within the jurisdiction of the Chhatroo Police Station. Security forces engaged in a tense exchange of fire with the terrorists in the dense forest area on Friday evening.

"Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists at Pingnal Dugadda forest area, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chhatroo, Kishtwar district," said the J-K Police.

Neutralization of two terrorists in Kathua

Meanwhile, two terrorists were neutralized in an ongoing operation in Khandara, Kathua, by troops from the Rising Star Corps. The Rising Star Corps also shared updates on X, stating, "Two terrorists were neutralized in the ongoing operation at Khandara, Kathua. Operations are still in progress."

Terrorist hideout busted in Poonch

Earlier in the day, security forces successfully busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation at Surankote town in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. According to a statement by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, "On September 12, 2024, based on specific information, a joint search operation was launched by the Police, Army, and CRPF in the Chamerd Surankote area."

The search operation led to a brief exchange of gunfire, with militants managing to escape into the thick forest cover. Security forces recovered arms, ammunition, and food supplies from the hideout. The area remains under surveillance as additional forces continue the search.