Op Trashi: 40 days, six encounters, Jaish-e-Mohammed's 7-man module wiped out

Srinagar: After 40 days of hot pursuit and six encounters, the Army has eliminated three terrorists, including top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah. They were part of a seven-member group active in the Chenab Valley since May 2024. With the latest operation, all seven have now been killed.

The final engagement on February 22 was triggered when Tyson, a four-year-old army dog from 2 Para Special Forces, was sent into a dhok - a wood-and-mud hutment used by nomads in the mountains. On detecting armed occupants, Tyson attacked them as per his training. He was injured in the process.

According to Army officials, the terrorists attempted to drive the dog away and opened fire, thereby confirming their presence. Two Special Forces squads - around 12 personnel - who had laid an ambush, responded with sniper fire and grenades, killing three infiltrators.


Officials said Saifullah had been operating in Doda and Kishtwar since May 2024. The group was responsible for the killing of nine Army personnel, including members of the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Forces, and had evaded security forces more than 10 times.

Over the past two years, Special Forces of 2 Para, supported by the Rashtriya Rifles and other units, conducted repeated operations across a 50-60 km stretch of rugged terrain. In April 2025, three members of the group were killed in Chatroo, and seven backpacks were recovered, confirming the group's strength.

The latest operation began on January 14. Contact was first established on January 18, during which one 2 Para commando was killed and seven others injured. One militant was also injured but managed to escape.

Subsequent contacts were established on January 22, 25 and 31. On February 5, another encounter resulted in the killing of a militant identified as Adil. The operation culminated on February 22 with the elimination of Saifullah and two others.

Anonymous social media accounts linked to "Kashmir Tigers", believed to be an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammed, paid tribute to Saifullah.

Major General A.P.S. Bal, General Officer Commanding, Counter-Insurgency Force, described the mission as "a battle of nerves" marked by perseverance and unconventional tactics despite hostile terrain, landslides and snowfall. He was accompanied at the press briefing by Jammu Zone IGP B.S. Tuti.

Army officials said no foreign infiltrators are currently active in Doda and Kishtwar in the Chenab Valley. However, three local militants - Jehangir, Mudassir and Riyaz - remain active in the region.