An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Naidgaam forest area of Chatroo Sub-Division in Kishtwar district during an ongoing Cordon and Search Operation (CASO). The operation is led by 2nd Para Commandos, with support from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Special Operations Group (SOG), and other security agencies. Forces have been conducting sustained search operations in the dense forests of the area for over a month. First contact was established with terrorists on January 18. On February 4, one JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter in Dolgam area of Chatroo in the same belt. According to official sources, the fresh contact was established when a search party of 2nd Para Commandos, assisted by sniffer dogs, reached near a Dhok (mud house) in the forest area. The terrorists, who were hiding inside the Dhok, opened fire on the sniffer dogs, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. Officials said security forces were acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of two suspected terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed in the area. Following the initial exchange, heavy reinforcements were rushed to the encounter site. Helicopters and drones have been deployed for aerial surveillance to track the movement of the hiding terrorists. According to reliable sources, the Dhok believed to be used as a hideout has been destroyed by RL, and there is a strong possibility that the terrorists including Top Commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed have been neutralised. However, an official confirmation is awaited. The operation is still underway, and further details are expected as the situation develops.