Tral encounter: Three Jaish terrorists killed in fresh Kashmir gunfight

Three militants affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed on Thursday in a fierce gunfight with security forces in the Nader village of Tral, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials confirmed.

The slain terrorists were identified as Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Amir Nazir Wani, and Yawar Ahmad Bhat — all residents of Pulwama district.

Second encounter in 48 hours

This is the second major encounter in Jammu and Kashmir within just 48 hours. According to officials, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Nader village early on Thursday following specific intelligence inputs regarding terrorist presence.

A gun battle erupted as troops approached the suspected hideout and were met with heavy fire from the terrorists.

The Indian Army's 15 Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“On May 15, 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an agency, a cordon-and-search operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police and Srinagar Sector CRPF at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops, and on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. Operation is in progress.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Police also confirmed the encounter, stating:

“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”

Previous encounter in Shopian

On Tuesday, three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter in Shopian’s Keller area. Among them was Shahid Kuttay, LeT’s operational commander, who was involved in multiple attacks, including the shooting of German tourists and the killing of a BJP sarpanch last year.

Another slain terrorist, Adnan Shafi, had taken part in the killing of a non-local labourer in Wachi in 2024.

Rising tensions despite ceasefire understanding

The resurgence in militant activity comes days after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire understanding on 10 May. Despite the agreement, terrorists fired at the sentry post outside the White Knight Corps headquarters in Nagrota just two hours after the ceasefire came into effect.

India has reiterated that any terrorist act on its soil will be treated as an act of war and has held Pakistan responsible for harbouring and sponsoring terrorist activities.

April 22 massacre and retaliatory strikes

On April 22, terrorists killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, in a brutal attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. Security forces attributed the massacre to LeT operatives. In response, India carried out precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India has since maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended and there will be no resumption of trade with Pakistan.