One terrorist has been gunned down so far in an ongoing counter-terror operation launched jointly by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Basantgarh region of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials cited by PTI, the operation began early Thursday morning in the remote Bihali area following actionable intelligence. The encounter, codenamed Operation Bihali, is being carried out despite heavy rainfall and dense fog.

Four Jaish Terrorists Tracked for Over a Year

Officials revealed that four terrorists affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are trapped in a densely forested stretch and are being engaged by forces on the ground. These militants have reportedly been under surveillance for the past year.

“Contact was established with the terrorists around 8.30 am… they are believed to be four in number and we have been tracking (this group) for the last one year,” Inspector General of Police, Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti told reporters at an event.

Despite adverse weather hampering visibility, the operation is progressing with reinforcements rushed to the area. Officials said the group was spotted hiding near the Karoor nallah by a joint party led by the Army’s para commandos.

Army Confirms Live Contact, Search Expands

In a post shared by the Army’s White Knight Corps on X (formerly Twitter), the force confirmed that a joint search mission was underway and direct contact with the terrorists had been made.

“Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and J&K Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress,” the post read.

This high-stakes operation comes just days ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Himalayas, prompting heightened security measures across the region.