Security forces exchange fire with terrorists in Kathua forest

An encounter broke out between security forces and heavily armed terrorists in a forest area of Kathua district on Wednesday evening.

The exchange of fire took place near Kamadh Nullah in the Billawar area after Kathua police received intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the region. A joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army launched a cordon-and-search operation, during which the terrorists opened fire. However, till the filing of this report, there were no reports of injuries on either side. Inspector General of Police, Jammu zone, BS Tuti confirmed the encounter and said SOG Kathua had engaged terrorists in the forests of Kamadh Nullah. “Despite darkness, thick vegetation and treacherous terrain, SOG is relentlessly engaging the terrorists. Teams of the CRPF are also participating in the joint operation,” he said.

Sources said security forces had been receiving regular inputs about the presence of terrorists in the dense forest areas of Billawar over the past few days, following which security in the region had already been strengthened.

Senior police and Army officials have also visited the area in recent times to review operational preparedness.

Kathua district holds strategic importance as it shares the International Border with Pakistan on one side and borders Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, besides adjoining Doda and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Billawar area lies along a traditional infiltration route used by Pakistan-based terrorists, who infiltrate through the International Border and move towards the mountainous regions of Doda and Udhampur. Dense forests and natural caves in the area provide safe havens for the terrorists.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma had recently visited Billawar to review the winter security strategy. She directed SOG personnel deployed on the ground to remain alert and strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during search operations.

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Courtesy: The Tribune -08-Jan-2026