A fresh encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in the Billawar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, officials confirmed on Tuesday. According to security officials, the latest gunfight started when a terrorist opened fire on a search party in the area after security forces closed in on the suspected location, prompting fierce retaliation.
Further reinforcements have been sent to the suspected location where the encounter is taking place to strengthen the cordon. The gunfight was ongoing when the last reports came in.
Officials said the operation is being carried out in forested and hilly terrain, with security forces maintaining strict vigilance to prevent terrorists from escaping. According to sources, Jaish commander Mavi is likely trapped at the encounter site.
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The encounter has come at a time when security forces were searching for three terrorists who fled the cordon after a brief exchange four days ago in the same Billawar area.
In the previous encounter, which later transformed into a massive search operation, one security personnel received minor injuries during an intense exchange of fire. While the search operations continued for three successive days in the forest areas, they were later called off due to no trace of the fleeing terrorists under dense forest cover.
IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti had said in a post, X: “Despite darkness, thick vegetation and treacherous terrain, the SOG is relentlessly engaging the terrorists.
Teams of the CRPF are also participating in the joint operation.” This is developing news; more details will follow as they emerge.
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