New Delhi: Security forces on Thursday intensified anti terrorism operations in the dense forest region of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir as Operation Sheruwali entered its sixth day, with troops launching fresh attacks on suspected terrorist hideouts in the Dorimal Gambhir Moghla belt.
The renewed action came after drone surveillance over the past few days detected the movement of two to three Pakistani terrorists deep inside the heavily forested terrain. Officials believe one of them is a senior commander who has been evading security forces since the operation began earlier this week.
Acting on the latest intelligence inputs, troops fired multiple rocket propelled grenades toward suspected hideouts where the terrorists are believed to be sheltering. The strikes sent thick plumes of smoke rising from the dense foliage, suggesting that the projectiles hit the intended targets inside the rugged forest zone.
Security officials said the firing was aimed at forcing the terrorists to reveal their exact positions while minimising risks to troops operating in difficult terrain. Forces have avoided direct close range engagement due to the challenging geography and thick vegetation surrounding the area.
The operation has also seen tighter cordons being placed around the suspected hideouts, while additional troops have been deployed to strengthen surveillance and prevent escape routes. Vehicle checking has been intensified across nearby roads and entry points connected to the forest region.
Intelligence agencies suspect that at least one terrorist may have been injured during a brief exchange of gunfire earlier this week. Troops have reportedly been tracking blood traces left behind after the encounter in an attempt to narrow down the militants’ movement inside the forest.
On Monday, security personnel dismantled a militant hideout after a short firefight, further shrinking the operational area available to the terrorists.
The joint mission involves the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces, with aerial support from helicopters, drone monitoring and sniffer dog units assisting troops on the ground.
The encounter initially began on Saturday after intelligence reports indicated terrorist movement in the Rajouri forest belt, triggering an extensive search and combat operation that remains underway.
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