Security Forces Uncover Terror Hideout in Rajouri Forest, Recover Supplies

Jammu: Security forces have uncovered a concealed terror hideout deep inside the forests of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, recovering a cache of supplies believed to have been stocked for militant use.

Officials said the hideout was discovered on Thursday evening during an area domination and search operation in the Bangai forest area of Thanamandi. Hidden amid dense vegetation, the shelter was difficult to detect and was found only after a thorough inspection of the area.

Among the items recovered were packets of rice, instant noodles, a knife, a lighter, a plastic sheet, an old blanket, a gas stove nozzle, two candles and a plastic bottle. Search operations in the region are continuing, while officials said further details are awaited.

The latest recovery adds to a series of similar operations in Rajouri, where security forces have repeatedly unearthed militant hideouts and recovered arms, explosives and other logistical supplies.

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In the Chamrer forest area of Thanamandi, security personnel had earlier found a remote hideout containing a ready-to-use improvised explosive device (IED), clothing and food supplies.

During another joint operation in Darra Barachara, also in Thanamandi, security forces recovered 10 under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs), a damaged ammunition box and medical supplies from an underground cache.

On May 23, search operations in Gambhir Mughlan led to the recovery of automatic weapons, AK-47 rifles, pistols and several kilograms of explosive material concealed inside natural caves and thick vegetation.

Earlier, in August 2024, an underground hideout was detected in the Sagrawat forest area of Darhal, where cooking gas cylinders, blankets and other daily-use items were seized. In 2023, another search operation in Kalakote resulted in the recovery of weapons.

Security forces and the Army remain on high alert along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in the border districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua and Jammu, to prevent terrorists from establishing bases in the region.

According to intelligence agencies, militants who continue to remain on the run face an increased risk of being caught during the frequent Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) conducted across these sensitive areas.

With inputs from IANS