Security forces, police launch multiple search operations in J&K’s Poonch
Security forces and police on Friday, October 16, 2026, mounted coordinated search operations at four locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district as part of heightened security measures, officials said.
Background
The intensified security posture follows two developments earlier in the week. Four suspected terrorists from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir were killed in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast across the Line of Control adjacent to the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. Separately, a terrorist hideout was busted in the Satharban forests on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Security personnel recovered an automatic rifle, six hand grenades and ammunition from the Satharban hideout during the operation this week, according to officials.
Where the operations are underway
Officials said the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gursai initiated a search in the Gursai–Harooni–Baidhar area of the Mendhar sub-division.
In a parallel effort, the SOG Mendhar and the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles launched a joint search in Dharana village, Kashmir Mohalla, the Behri forest and adjoining areas.
A third operation was mounted by the SOG Mankote in the Manglanu–Chilla forest areas under the jurisdiction of the Mankote police post.
Aim of the intensified measures
The operations are intended to strengthen security and check possible terrorist movement in the border district, officials said. The stepped-up searches come in the wake of the LoC incident near the Krishna Ghati sector and the recovery of arms and explosives from the Satharban forest hideout earlier in the week.
Significance
Friday’s multi-point operations underline a broader security sweep in Poonch, a strategically sensitive district abutting the Line of Control. Authorities said the coordinated searches by police SOG units and the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant activity and prevent infiltration or movement across forested and rural corridors.
