The search operation is underway following the intense gunbattle between the Pakistan-backed terrorists and security forces in Kokernag of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, which lasted for over 100 hours. Security forces recovered a charred body from the hilly forest area where the encounter is underway, but its identity is yet to be ascertained.

The operation to flush out terrorists, which entered day six on Monday, has been underway in the Gadole forest area of Anantnag since Wednesday, when three brave security forces personnel, including Commanding Officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat lost their lives in the operation.

Drones, Helicopters Being Used For Surveillance

The heavily armed terrorists, believed to be two to three in number, are hiding in tactical locations in the dense and steep forest. As per sources, this seems like a new pattern employed by terrorists to hide from security forces.

On Sunday, security forces widened the area of operation to neighbouring villages and fired several mortar shells toward the forest. They are using drones and helicopters for surveillance of the dense forest area where terrorists are believed to be holed up since Wednesday.

Terrorist Hiding in ‘Cave-like Hideouts’

As per officials, there were several cave-like hideouts in the forest area and drones were being used to pinpoint their locations to carry out attacks on them.  Drone footage showed a terrorist running for cover after one such hideout was hit by shells fired by security forces on Friday.

Search Op Extended To Neighboring Villages

The security cordon has been extended to neighbouring Posh Kreeri area as a precautionary measure to ensure that terrorists don’t slip into civilian habitation, the officials said.

What Happened So Far

On Friday night, riveting footage emerged that captured the use of weaponized drones, strategically employed to neutralize terrorist cave hideouts.

The Anantnag operation has evolved into one of the most prolonged military engagements in Kashmir but the security forces are sparing no effort in their mission to eradicate terrorist hideouts nestled within the challenging terrain of Gadool Hill.

Inputs suggest that the area may be concealing two to three terrorists, including two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, among them self-styled LeT commander Uzair Khan.

“Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LET terrorists including Uzair Khan,” Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

The Northern Army commander on Saturday visited the site of the gunfight to take stock of the operational situation.

Lt Gen Dwivedi was briefed by the ground commanders on the high-intensity operations, in which hi-tech equipment is being used for surveillance and delivery of firepower, along with the high impact of precision fire being used by the forces.

The Northern Army commander inspected the drone which has been used to survey the area and track the terrorists.