December 19, 2024: Five terrorists were neutralized in an intense encounter with security forces in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir on Thursday. The operation began after intelligence inputs led the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police to launch a search operation in the Kadder area, where it was believed terrorists were hiding.

The operation turned into an encounter when the terrorists opened fire on the advancing security forces. In a statement released by the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, it was confirmed that the security forces retaliated effectively, killing all five terrorists.

"OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops, and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," the Chinar Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This is the latest in a series of successful operations carried out by security forces in the region. Earlier this month, a terrorist linked to the killings of civilians in Gagangir, Ganderbal, and several other terror attacks was also killed in an encounter in Srinagar district. Additionally, last month, security forces eliminated three terrorists in encounters in Anantnag and Khanyar.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an uptick in violence this year, with some of the deadliest attacks occurring in October, including the tragic shooting of seven people—among them a local doctor and two migrant workers—at a tunnel construction site in Ganderbal.

Security forces have been on high alert and have successfully foiled multiple terror plots in the region, underscoring their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the valley.

The authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the terrorists killed in Thursday's operation, but investigations are ongoing.