Overview

• Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched Operation Naushera Nar IV after intelligence on a likely infiltration and engaged intruders near Nowshera Naar in Bandipora.
• Two militants were killed in the encounter, including Bagu Khan, while the identity of the second slain man has not been confirmed.
• Security sources say Bagu Khan, active from Pakistan-administered Kashmir since 1995, facilitated more than 100 infiltration attempts and assisted multiple outfits including Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Officials describe the killing as a major setback to cross-LoC logistics and route knowledge relied on by militant groups in the Gurez sector.
• Area clearance is ongoing, with security sources indicating up to five more militants may be hiding nearby.