RAJOURI, May 23, 2026 : An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists on Saturday during a major cordon-and-search operation in Rajouri district after intelligence inputs indicated suspicious militant movement in the area, officials said.
According to preliminary reports, the movement of two to three terrorists was suspected in the region, prompting security agencies to launch a joint anti-terror operation.
The Army’s White Knight Corps said contact with terrorists was established around 11:30 AM in the general area of Gambhir Mughlan during an intelligence-based operation conducted jointly with Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“Today at around 11.30 AM, contact was established with terrorists in the general area of Gambhir Mughlan in Rajouri during an intelligence-based joint operation conducted along with Police and CRPF,” the White Knight Corps posted on X.
The Army said troops responded swiftly with “calibrated action” following the initial contact, leading to an exchange of fire in the area.
“A firefight ensued, and a cordon has been effectively established. Operations, named ‘Op Sheruwali’, remain underway,” it added.
Officials said the cordon-and-search operation was launched in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghala belt of Rajouri following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists.
A joint team comprising the Police, Army and CRPF sealed the area and initiated extensive searches to track down the hiding militants.
Security forces have reportedly deployed additional reinforcements to strengthen the cordon and prevent any escape from the area. The operation was still in progress when the last reports were received.
The encounter comes amid intensified anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing infiltration attempts in vulnerable border districts.
