Indian Army and J&K Police Deliver Major Blow to Pakistan-Backed Terror in Udhampur Forests
In a significant development for India’s counterterrorism efforts, a top commander of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was killed in a fierce gunfight in Jammu & Kashmir’s Udhampur district on June 26, 2025. The encounter, which took place in the dense forest region of Basantgarh, was the result of a meticulously planned joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police, code-named “Operation Bihali.” The slain terrorist was not just any foot soldier—he was reportedly a sharpshooter trained by Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) and was instrumental in coordinating recent attacks in Kathua, Udhampur, and Doda.
The elimination of this high-value target comes at a time when security is already heightened in the region ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. Officials suggest that the operation has delivered a major tactical blow to JeM’s strategy of infiltrating sensitive zones in Jammu during pilgrimage season. As per reports, three more JeM operatives remain holed up in the forest area, and the anti-terror operation is still ongoing with heavy deployment of forces, drones, and sniffer dogs.
SSG-trained Jaish terrorist killed in major J&K counter-terror op
The terrain of Basantgarh, known for its thick forest cover and challenging topography, provided both a shield and a trap for the terrorists. For nearly a year, intelligence agencies had been monitoring the movement of JeM operatives in this corridor—believed to be a key infiltration route from across the border. Operation Bihali was launched as a result of precise human and tech-based surveillance that pointed to a group of heavily armed militants operating in the area.
Early morning on June 26, the forces made contact with the group, resulting in a prolonged exchange of fire. One terrorist was neutralized in the initial hours of the encounter. Security sources later confirmed his identity as a senior JeM commander trained by Pakistan’s SSG—an elite force often tasked with training proxy militants for deep-strike missions inside India.
The timing of the operation is critical. With the Amarnath Yatra around the corner, intelligence had warned of possible sabotage attempts. The successful takedown of this terrorist significantly lowers the threat index in the region, though the search for the remaining operatives continues.
