A most-wanted terrorist commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday, marking a significant success in ongoing counter-terror operations in the Jammu region.
The slain militant, identified as Saifullah, was among three terrorists neutralised during a gunfight in the Chatroo area under the ongoing anti-terror operation. Officials said the encounter dealt a major blow to militant networks operating in the region.
The operation took place in the Passerkut area of Kishtwar district following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
Security forces launched a search operation as part of an ongoing mission to eliminate militants from forested areas. During the operation, terrorists hiding inside a mud house at the foothills opened fire on approaching security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle.
Officials said the mud structure caught fire during the exchange of fire and was completely destroyed. The bodies of the three militants were recovered in a charred condition after the operation concluded.
Who was Saifullah
According to security agencies, Saifullah was a Pakistani national and a senior commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad who had infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir nearly five years ago.
He had remained active in the Doda–Kishtwar region and was believed to be responsible for several attacks on security forces.
Officials said Saifullah was linked to a major terror attack in July 2024 in which four soldiers were killed. He had developed a reputation for evading security forces and had reportedly escaped multiple encounters over the past two years.
Security agencies described him as one of the most wanted terrorists operating in the region.
Just days before the encounter, police authorities had issued posters seeking public information about Saifullah’s whereabouts.
Senior police officials had indicated that he was believed to be hiding in the Chatroo forest belt and attempting to move between remote locations to avoid detection.
Investigators said his elimination would significantly weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region.
The Chatroo forest region has witnessed several encounters between terrorists and security forces in recent weeks.
Since January, multiple operations have been carried out in the area as part of sustained counter-terror efforts.
Officials said at least seven Jaish-e-Mohammad militants have been killed in separate encounters across the Jammu region this year.
Earlier operations included encounters in Udhampur and Kathua districts, where additional militants were neutralised.
Security agencies said the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and preventing infiltration attempts along the border.
Officials added that search operations in the Kishtwar forests continue to ensure that no surviving militants remain in the area.
