Two suspected terrorists were killed in a late-night encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, the police said on Thursday, September 17. The operation began after security forces received intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected terrorists in the area, provincial security personnel said.
The encounter took place in the Udhampur region after security forces conducted a cordon and search operation following intelligence about suspicious movements in the area. Troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight through the night as they were seen working together in the area and conducting firing and searching for terrorists, said sources.
A few hours later, security forces recovered the bodies of two terrorists from the site of the encounter. Their identities are still not clear. Initial reports suggest that they may belong to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), but this has yet to be confirmed.
Security Forces Conduct Cordon And Search Operation
The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about the presence or movement of suspected terrorists in the area. A joint team of security personnel went to the area and established a cordon before starting a search operation.
According to news media, the operation involved Jammu and Kashmir police and Army personnel like the Rashtriya Rifles and Para (Special Forces). Security forces were attacked during the search, and a gunfight ensued.
The encounter continued late into the night. Security personnel kept the cordon around the area to prevent the suspected terrorists from escaping and continued search operations after the exchange of fire.
Witnesses in the area said that the operation was conducted under difficult conditions and that security forces were continuing to search and monitor the area. The Army said the operation was based on intelligence inputs and that search operations were ongoing after the two terrorists were neutralised.
At the encounter site, arms and ammunition were recovered
Following the encounter, security forces recovered the bodies of two suspected terrorists along with arms and ammunition from the site, officials and local reports said.
The identities of the two men were still being ascertained at the time of reporting. Initial information indicated that they could be foreign nationals and may have links to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, their identities and exact affiliations have not yet been independently established.
Security forces have continued search and surveillance operations in the vicinity to determine whether any other terrorist activity may be present. The continued operation is aimed at ruling out the possibility of more attacks in the area.
Udhampur Encounter: 2 Terrorists eliminated by Security Forces
— GarudEyeIntel | OSINT 🇮🇳 (@GarudEyeIntel) September 17, 2026
An encounter broke out between Security Forces and Terrorists in Udhampur. 2 Terrorists have been eliminated. Indian Army’s 9 Para SF is playing a key role in the operation. pic.twitter.com/DWC3XKA1R6
The latest encounter comes amid intensified counter-terrorism operations in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies are stepping up surveillance and search operations in forested and difficult-to-access areas following intelligence inputs on suspected terrorist movements.
Last month, security forces also conducted operations against suspected terrorist networks in the area. On September 15, Rajouri Police arrested three overground workers linked to a network associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the police said. They were accused of providing logistical support and aiding terrorists to escape. An improvised explosive device was recovered during the investigation, police said.
The Udhampur operation remains part of ongoing security efforts to detect and neutralise possible terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Further details about the two deceased suspects, their alleged affiliations, and the outcome of the search operation are expected from security agencies.
