Security forces resumed their search operation on Monday, January 19, 2026, to track terrorists hiding in the upper mountains of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation started on Sunday in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora and led to a fierce gunfight. Eight soldiers were injured mainly due to splinters from a sudden grenade attack by terrorists. Officials suspended the operation late Sunday night due to tough terrain with thick bushes and steep slopes that made moving and seeing tough. Multiple teams from the army, police, and paramilitary forces, aided by drones and sniffer dogs, are now combing the area carefully. They have formed a strong security cordon to trap the terrorists and prevent their escape. Officials said two to three terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are believed to be trapped there. The search resumed at dawn and is underway with no new contact reported so far. The operation, called 'Trashi-I,' is led by the army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps. In a tweet Sunday, the army said, "Operations remain underway with additional forces inducted to reinforce the cordon, supported by close coordination with civil administration and security agencies." They praised the soldiers' "exceptional professionalism and resolve while responding to hostile fire under challenging terrain and conditions." This is the third encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu region this year. Earlier fights happened on January 7 and 13 in Billawar’s Kahog and Najote forests in Kathua district. On December 15 last year, a police officer was killed during a gun battle with terrorists in Soan village, Udhampur district. The terrorists escaped using the dense forest and darkness. These clashes follow a large counter-terror operation in Jammu's forest areas in December to flush out nearly 36 holed-up terrorists. Security operations have been increased ahead of Republic Day to maintain peace. Authorities cited intelligence about Pakistan-based groups trying to send more terrorists into the area.