JAMMU, February 23, 2026 : Security forces have successfully dismantled a seven-member Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module, known as the “Israel Group”, bringing to a close an 18-month-long counter-terror operation in the Kishtwar belt of Jammu and Kashmir, senior officials said on Monday.
Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed that the final three terrorists, including self-styled commander Saifullah, were neutralised in an encounter in Kishtwar district on Sunday, marking the culmination of the prolonged operation.
“This group of seven JeM terrorists infiltrated into Indian territory in April 2024. Since then, they were engaged on 17 different occasions. Over the last one-and-a-half years, all of them have been neutralised. Sunday marked the end of this operation,” the IGP told reporters in Kishtwar.
Hardcore Terror Module
Describing the outfit as a highly trained and lethal module, Tuti said the group, dubbed the Israel Group, had caused significant damage to security forces and civilians during its period of activity.
Acting on precise and sustained intelligence inputs, the last three terrorists were cornered and eliminated in the Chatroo area, he added, asserting that the anti-terror campaign will continue relentlessly.
“This fight will go on until the entire terror network is dismantled,” the IGP said, warning that strict action will follow against all terror collaborators and support networks.
Army Issues Stern Warning
General Officer Commanding, CIF (Delta), A P S Bal, issued a strong warning to anti-national elements.
“Anyone who is an enemy of the nation, wherever they may be and in whatever form, will be identified, targeted and neutralised,” he said.
He emphasised that intelligence-based operations will continue with sustained momentum, crediting recent successes to months of coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force.
Operation Trashi-I: How the Hunt Ended
The JeM module had been under surveillance since April–May 2024.
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Three terrorists were killed in April 2025
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The remaining members, including Saifullah and Adil, continued to evade capture
Based on intelligence from police, the Intelligence Bureau and other agencies, a joint operation Operation Trashi-I was launched on January 14, 2026, in the Chhatroo area under the aegis of White Knight Corps.
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Contact established: January 18
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One terrorist (Adil) eliminated: February 4
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Final encounter: February 22, on steep mountain slopes after the area was cordoned off overnight
Despite harsh terrain, snowfall, rain and landslides, all three remaining terrorists were eliminated without any casualty to security forces.
Advanced Warfare & Canine Bravery
The operation showcased high tactical precision, including:
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Real-time drone surveillance
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Night-vision equipment
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Rapid mobilisation of reinforcements and special forces
A special mention was made of Army-trained dog Tyson, an elite German Shepherd who was injured by a bullet while verifying the terrorist hideout (dhok). The dog was immediately airlifted and is reported to be stable and safe.
Seizures & Public Support
During search operations, war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, were recovered.
IGP Tuti credited public cooperation for the success of the operations, stating that most intelligence inputs came from civilians.
“The public stands with India. Without their support, such operations would not have been possible,” he said.
He added that only three local terrorists remain active in Kishtwar, all of whom have been operating for nearly two decades, and reiterated that more operations are already in the pipeline.
