An encounter broke out on January 7, 2026, between security forces and terrorists in the forested area of Kamadh Nullah near Kahog village in the Billawar tehsil of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three terrorists in the region. Inspector General of Police (Jammu), Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed via a post on X that the SOG Kathua had engaged the terrorists, describing the situation as an active engagement in the dense forest. Reinforcements were rushed to the site to neutralize the militants, with the operation ongoing into the evening hours.

According to sources cited by news agencies, a terrorist was sighted by locals around 4 pm at Kamad Nallah under the Billawar police station area, potentially the same individual spotted earlier in the day at Dhannu Parole. Officials believe three terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group are likely hiding and currently engaged with the forces. The militants are described as Pakistan-sponsored, highlighting persistent concerns over cross-border infiltration attempts in the Jammu region, which has seen heightened terrorist activity in recent years despite overall improvements in security.

Kathua district, located near the International Border with Pakistan, has emerged as a key infiltration route for terrorists aiming to move deeper into Jammu and Kashmir or target civilians and security installations. Jaish-e-Mohammed, a designated terrorist organization responsible for several high-profile attacks in the past, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing, continues to pose threats through its operatives. The current encounter marks one of the first major anti-terror operations in the region in 2026, underscoring ongoing efforts by joint forces—including the Army, J&K Police, and paramilitary units—to prevent fresh infiltrations amid challenging forested and rugged terrain.

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As the operation progresses, authorities have urged locals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. No casualties have been reported on either side as of the latest updates, though the exchange of fire remains active. The development reflects the continued commitment of security forces to counter terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, where such engagements are part of broader strategies to maintain stability and safeguard civilians in border districts. Further details on the outcome are awaited as the cordon-and-search operation intensifies.

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