Security Forces trap two wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in an operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district launched a cordon and search mission on Sunday, August 10, 2025, effectively trapping two high-profile Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in a dense forest area. The operation, initiated in the Bhagna forest of the Dool region, began after intelligence reports pinpointed the presence of Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari, two local militants active in the district for eight years.
The operation commenced around 6:30 AM when the terrorists opened fire on a Rashtriya Rifles search team, prompting a swift retaliation from the security forces. According to a PTI report, an intense gunfight ensued, lasting several hours before the militants retreated deeper into the forest. Throughout the day, intermittent exchanges of fire occurred as the security forces tightened their cordon to neutralize the threat.
The Army’s White Knight Corps, in a post on X, confirmed that alert troops established contact with the terrorists early Sunday, engaging in gunfire as part of an intelligence-driven operation. The operation remains ongoing, with no casualties reported on either side as of the latest updates. To bolster the mission, the local police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), along with additional Army and CRPF units, reinforced the initial search party to maintain pressure on the militants’ suspected location.
Officials noted that Ahmad and Hazari had previously evaded capture during an encounter in the Hadal Gal forest of Cherji on July 20. The current operation was launched based on specific intelligence about their movements, underscoring the security forces’ commitment to curbing militant activity in the region. The White Knight Corps emphasized the operation’s progress, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Army, police, and CRPF in tackling the Hizbul Mujahideen threat.
This development marks a critical step in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance in Kishtwar’s forested terrain.