New Delhi: Security forces killed two terrorists in an operation — named Operation Kiya — in the Jophar area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
Both terrorists were identified as commanders of the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit. The identity of one, Mavi, has been established, while the other is yet to be confirmed.
An AK-47 and an M4 carbine were recovered from the slain terrorists, with whom security forces had established contact on Tuesday.
What’s Operation Kiya?
In a post on X, Indian Army corps White Knight said that the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs provided by Jammu and Kashmir Police, troops of CIF Delta.
The post said that White Knight Corps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the general area of Jophar forest, Basantgarh, in coordination with J&K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The forces cordoned off the area on target to ensure that the terrorists do not escape.
#WhiteKnightCorps | #OpKiya | Update
Operation KIYA
Based on specific intelligence input provided by @jmukmrpolice, troops of CIF Delta, #WhiteKnightCorps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the general area of Jophar Forest, Basantgarh (J&K) in…
— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) February 4, 2026
The post added: “Contact with terrorists was established yesterday and since then, terrorists were prevented from breaking contact. Following a calibrated and coordinated response, two terrorists have been successfully neutralised. The operation highlighted seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision and high standards of professionalism.”
The operation was successfully carried out, the statement said, adding that the area continues to be under surveillance.
Operation Kiya is part of ongoing counter-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in strategically important areas like Udhampur, known for their rough terrain and key movement corridors.
The operation involved tracking and surveillance based on local and technical inputs. Engagement after establishing contact and neutralising two terrorists.
When did the encounter break out?
Around 4pm on Tuesday, the encounter between terrorists and security forces took place in Jophar area, a densely forested area, 25 kms from Ramnagar tehsil. There were 2-3 armed terrorists. Additional reinforcements were sent to the area.
The Army also shared the information on X. It said: “In an intelligence based joint Operation, contact has been established with the terrorists by the Troops of CIF Delta, #WhiteKnightCorps, @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF at around 4 pm today in the general area of Basantgarh. Cordon has been established. Firefight is on. Operation is in progress.”