Top JeM terrorist killed in Kathua encounter; arms recovered
Top JeM terrorist killed in Kathua encounter; arms recovered
Security forces eliminated a top Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist in Kathua, recovering arms including an M4 rifle as joint operation continues in Parhetar.
In a major counter-terror operation, security forces on Friday eliminated a top Jaish-e-Mohammad operative in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was carried out in the Parhetar area following specific intelligence inputs, with the area cordoned off and contact established between the security forces and the fleeing terrorist. In a swift, targeted strike, the joint team from the Army and the police, with CRPF support, neutralised the foreign terrorist amid a brief exchange of fire. The search operation is ongoing in the surrounding forests and villages.
Officials identified the deceased as JeM commander Usman, also known by the alias Abu Maviya, who had long figured among the most-wanted terrorists in the Udhampur-Kathua belt after infiltrating from across the border. Usman had previously evaded capture in multiple encounters, including operations in Kahog and Najote forests on January 7 and January 13, prompting renewed efforts by security forces in the area. In the latest operation, investigators recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from a remote Parhetar village location, including an M4 automatic rifle, underscoring the sophistication and firepower of the group.
Army’s Rising Star Corps stated that a joint search party raided a house but came under fire from a hiding terrorist, leading to the eliminations. The forces announced that the operation would continue as they press to dismantle JeM networks in the border districts. Officials stressed that Usman’s removal deals a significant blow to the group in the Udhampur-Kathua corridor and that ongoing surveillance and searches will persist to identify any remaining operatives or safe houses.
The incident reflects the ongoing challenge of cross-border militant networks operating in the region, even as security forces maintain tight coordination among the Army, police and central forces. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as operations and intelligence-gathering continue in the area.
