Security forces pressed their advantage in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district Sunday, eliminating a third terrorist in ongoing clashes under Operation Trashi-I. Troops from the Army’s Counter-Insurgency Force Delta, alongside Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel, tracked the militants through rugged terrain near Chatroo.

The White Knight Corps, the Army’s Jammu-based formation, announced the kill in a post on X. “In continued operations under #OpTrashi-I in Kishtwar, troops of CIF (D) #WhiteKnightCorps, in coordination with @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF, have neutralised the third terrorist,” the post stated. “The remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered. The pursuit continues—no space, no sanctuary for those who seek to undermine the stability.”

Earlier in the day, two other terrorists fell in the same firefight. Forces recovered two AK-47 rifles and other warlike stores from the site. Contact resumed around 11 a.m. after a brief lull, according to the Corps.

Actionable intelligence from Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau and Army sources triggered the joint cordon-and-search effort. Terrorists had been active in the thick forest belts of Chatroo, prompting a deliberate launch of Operation Trashi-I.

“Pursuant to credible intelligence inputs collated from #JKP, #IB and own intelligence sources, a deliberate joint operation was launched in the Kishtwar region under Operation Trashi-I to track and neutralise terrorists operating in the area,” the White Knight Corps said.

Launched in January, Operation Trashi-I targets forested and mountainous zones across Kishtwar, including Chatroo, Sonnar, Dolgam and Dichhar. Multiple firefights have unfolded amid cordon operations. Security teams dominated the latest encounter site, forcing the militants into the open.

The Corps vowed no respite. “The hunt continues—those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary,” it added. Searches stretched into the evening as forces scoured the area for any remaining threats.

Kishtwar’s remote terrain has long challenged counterinsurgency efforts. Dense woods and steep slopes provide cover for militants slipping across the Line of Control. Sunday’s kills mark a sharp escalation in Operation Trashi-I, building on prior successes in the campaign.

Two terrorists died in the initial exchange earlier Sunday. The third held out briefly before succumbing to sustained fire. Recovery teams confirmed the identities through remains and arms cache.