Jammu, Jan 16: In a significant anti-terror breakthrough, joint teams of security forces have dismantled three terrorist hideouts in the forest areas of Billawar in Kathua district, officials said on Friday.
“The operation began on January 7, 2026, following credible intelligence inputs about the movement of anti-national elements in the forested regions of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban, and Dhanu Parole,” an official said, adding, “Security personnel launched a large-scale search to neutralize the suspected terrorists. During the initial phase, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the forces, triggering nighttime exchanges of fire. Two separate encounters occurred, but the terrorists managed to slip away under the cover of darkness and the challenging terrain.”
“On Wednesday, forces discovered the first hideout and recovered several items, including two empty M4 cartridges, a plastic box with desi ghee, a packet of almonds, hand gloves, a cap, a blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, a small pouch, and a polythene bag,” he added.
“The search continued, leading to the busting of two additional hideouts in the Kalikhad and Kalaban areas on Friday. Recoveries from these sites included a cooking gas cylinder, cooking oil, charger wire, hand gloves, utensils, an empty oil gallon, large plastic bags, a torch, blankets, a container, wrappers of eatables, and various miscellaneous items—indicating the hideouts were used for prolonged shelter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma, said, “The joint search operation remains active in the region, with forces committed to maintaining peace and security in the district.”—(KNO)
