(Image source from: Risingkashmir.com)

The security forces launched a comprehensive ground and air search operation in the Poonch, Rajouri, and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, following reports of suspected terrorist activity, officials stated. Troops are already on high alert along the border and inland regions. The Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) initiated a search operation after receiving information about the spotting of two suspicious individuals near the Betaar River. Supported by drones, the search involved the police, CRPF, and the army in the border area of Nowshera Rajouri district. A similar search was alsod in the Ramgarh sector of S district, according to the officials. Additionally, security forces and terrorists exchanged brief gunfire twice within four hours in a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. The Village Defence Guards (VDGs) also opened fire after observing suspicious movement outside their village, while two explosive shells were recovered from the Gandoh area, the officials reported. The first exchange of fire was reported at Kalaan Bhata at 10 o'clock.

During the night between Monday and Tuesday, military personnel faced a tragic loss. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties in the recent exchange of fire. Taking advantage of the dark, challenging terrain, and dense foliage, the terrorists managed to escape, officials stated. Troops from the Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group initiated a joint cordon and search operation in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest, approximately 55 km from Doda town, late on Monday evening, acting on information about the presence of terrorists. Despite the demanding environmental conditions, efforts are underway to track down and neutralize the terrorists, who are believed to have ties with the banned, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), according to the officials. The army, along with para commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters, is intensifying its search operation to eliminate the terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the forest area. Village defense guards observed suspicious movement near their Melan village in the Desa area during the intervening night and opened fire. Police and the army have now reached the village, and a thorough search is being conducted this morning, the officials stated.

The authorities revealed that two unstable explosive devices were found during a distinct search mission within the Sinoo woodland region of Gandoh in the Doda district. The Sinoo forest area witnessed an intense battle that lasted throughout the day on 26, culminating in the elimination of three foreign militants and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition, including a U.S.-manufactured M4 carbine rifle. The Army said in a statement on Tuesday that it is conducting joint and coordinated operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to eliminate foreign terrorists who have infiltrated across the border and remain in Udhampur, Doda and upper districts. Kishtwar districts in Jammu region and then Kashmir. "All formations of the Northern Command are committed to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and relentless operations will continue," the army said.