Eight Indian Army soldiers injured in hours-long encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar

Eight Indian Army soldiers sustained injuries during a prolonged gun battle with militants in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter, which began on Sunday afternoon after a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police received intelligence about militant presence in the Sonar area, lasted for several hours. Security forces have intensified a search operation and deployed additional personnel to the region, which is known for its difficult terrain and dense forests. The Army's White Knight Corps has codenamed the operation 'Operation Trashi-I'. Reports suggest that 2 to 3 foreign militants, believed to be linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, were involved. The militants reportedly resorted to indiscriminate firing and hurled grenades to break the cordon. The injured soldiers, treated for splinter wounds, have been hospitalized. Drones, sniffer dogs, and advanced surveillance equipment are being used in the ongoing search operation. This marks the third encounter with militants in the Jammu region this year, with security tightened ahead of Republic Day.