Srinagar, Apr 13: In a major success for security forces, a massive cache of arms and ammunition including a US-made M4 carbine, AK-series rifles, and Pakistan-marked medical supplies was recovered from slain Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists and all of them have been identified as well, officials said.
A top Army official said that the three slain terrorists have been identified as Saifullah, a top JeM commander, and his associates Mohammad Farman and Basha Khan.
“Their killing marks a significant blow to Pakistan-backed terror operations in the Chenab Valley region. Meanwhile, a fourth terrorist, identified as Adil, managed to escape and is being actively tracked by security forces,” he said.
The official said that security forces recovered an alarming quantity of modern weaponry and war-like stores from the encounter site, suggesting direct foreign support.
The cache includes one US-made M4 Carbine assault rifle, capable of firing 700–970 rounds of steel bullets per minute. These rounds can easily pierce the metal bodies of vehicles, unlike conventional copper bullets. The rifle has an effective range of 500–600 meters and a maximum range of up to 3,600 meters, he said.
“2 AK-series rifles, 1 pistol, 20 magazines, 2 ammunition rigs and other material,” the official said.
The official said that the recovery also included Pakistan-manufactured surgical tools and medical supplies, with labels indicating production in Lahore, further confirming the Pakistani origins and sponsorship of the terrorist module.
“Among the slain terrorists, Farman was identified through a distinctive slit on his finger. He was a wanted Jaish operative carrying a cash reward of ₹5 lakh on his head,” he said.
The spokesman said that following the encounter, combing operations have intensified in the dense, snow-bound terrain to flush out the remaining terrorist, Adil, who reportedly fled during the final exchange of fire.
“Security forces remain on high alert, with reinforcements deployed to seal escape routes and prevent any regrouping of terrorists in the area,” he said.
The joint operation, which began on April 9 in the Chhatru area, was carried out by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF.
Army’s White Knight Corps posted on X that despite inclement weather, three more Pakistani terrorists were neutralised today.
