'Seek & destroy' ops for hiding terrorists in J&K's Poonch enters 5th day

IANS April 18, 2025 323 views

Indian security forces are conducting an intense multi-day operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district to locate and neutralize hiding terrorists. The Romeo Force and Special Operations Group have cordoned off large forest areas using advanced surveillance techniques. Recent encounters have highlighted the persistent militant threat in the region's border zones. The operation represents a coordinated effort to combat the resurgence of militancy in the area.

"For the last one and a half to two years, Poonch has been grappling with a fresh wave of militancy" - B.S. Tuti, IGP Jammu Zone
Jammu, April 18: The anti-terrorist operation by security forces in J&K's Poonch district entered its 5th day on Friday.

Key Points

1

Romeo Force and SOG launch extensive search in Lasana forest

2

Terrorists spotted near Poonch-Jammu National Highway

3

Security forces use aerial and ground surveillance

4

Multiple encounters reported in border regions

Officials said the search continued in Poonch's Lasana forest belt, where terrorists are believed to be hiding.

The operation, launched by the Romeo Force of the Army's counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG), follows a brief encounter earlier this week with Romeo Force personnel near Lasana village, which lies along the Poonch-Jammu National Highway.

One security personnel sustained injuries in the attack.

Security forces have cordoned off large sections of the forest area and are conducting intensive searches using aerial surveillance and ground units.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, B.S. Tuti, confirmed that the region has witnessed a resurgence in militant activity in recent years.

"For the last one and a half to two years, Poonch has been grappling with a fresh wave of militancy," the IGP said, adding that a coordinated action plan has been put in place with the Army to neutralise the threat.

"We have identified several areas of concern. Our teams are on the job, and results will be visible soon," he said.

On March 23, a group of 5 Pakistani terrorists was spotted in Sanyal village of Kathua, barely 4 km from the international border.

A police team immediately reached Sanyal village and engaged the terrorists in a gunfight.

The terrorists escaped to Safiyan Jakhole village, but the police team again engaged the terrorists in a gunfight.

Two terrorists were killed in that encounter, while four policemen were martyred, and the DSP, Border, and three other policemen were injured.

Joint forces started a 'seek & search' operation in the area.

Later, the area of the operation was extended to higher reaches of Kathua and Rajouri districts.

A brief exchange of gunfire occurred between the terrorists and the joint forces in the Billawar area of Kathua district. Since then, the operation to trace terrorists continues, while the Poonch operation was started five days ago.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Our security forces are doing incredible work in such difficult terrain. Salute to their bravery! 🙏 Hope they stay safe while protecting our borders.
P
Priya S.
While I support the operations, I hope the forces are taking extra precautions to avoid civilian casualties in these dense forest areas. The local population has suffered enough.
A
Amit D.
This is why we need to invest more in border surveillance tech. Drones, thermal imaging, AI monitoring could help prevent infiltration in the first place.
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Sunita M.
Heartbreaking to hear about the injured personnel. These brave men put their lives on the line every day. We should all be more appreciative of their sacrifices.
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Vikram J.
The coordination between Army and J&K police seems to be working well. Good to see different forces working together seamlessly in such critical operations.
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Neha P.
While the operations are necessary, I wish media wouldn't report exact locations and force details in real-time. This could compromise operational security. Just my two cents.

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Tags:
Terrorist Encounter J&K Militancy Romeo Force Poonch Operation B.S. Tuti Counter-Insurgency
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