The ‘Azraeel Group’ of Jaish, led by Pakistani terrorist Saifullah alias Hafiz Ateq Nazir, emerged as one of the most active foreign terrorist modules operating across Jammu & Kashmir before Indian security forces neutralised it during Operation Trashi and related counter-terror operations between 2024 and 2026. The group operated through the forested belts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Udhampur and carried out multiple ambushes, encounters, targeted killings, and attacks on Army and police personnel.
The module originally consisted of 18 terrorists, including 17 foreign terrorists (mostly Pakistani) and one local terrorist. It later split into three operational groups 03 Bakra, 07 Azraeel, and 08 Maulvi modules which operated across different parts of Jammu & Kashmir. Security forces gradually tracked, engaged, and neutralised the network through nine separate encounters stretching from the Dudu–Basantgarh valley on the Udhampur–Doda border to Billawar–Macchedi in Kathua, and finally to the Singhpora–Keshwan–Cherjee belt of Chhatroo Tehsil in Kishtwar district.
Security forces linked the group to several major operations, including Operation Lagor in Doda, Operation Khandara, Operation Kiya, and the final phase of Operation Trashi-I in the Chhatroo forests, where forces killed Saifullah along with the remaining terrorists of the module.
Intelligence and operational reports also linked the module to several major attacks across the Jammu region, including the Chattargalla checkpost attack in Doda, the Kathua Army convoy ambush that killed five soldiers of the 22 Garhwal Rifles, the Desa forest encounter in Doda in which four Army personnel were killed, the Kishtwar patrol ambush on 11 RR personnel, and the killing of two Village Defence Group members in Kishtwar.
Major Counter-Terror Operations (2024–2026)
Security forces conducted a series of joint counter-terror operations against the Jaish-e-Mohammed module led by Saifullah, also referred to as the “Azraeel Group.” The operations were carried out across Doda, Udhampur, Kathua, and Kishtwar districts between 2024 and 2026, eventually leading to the dismantling of the module.
Operation LAGOR (26 June 2024 — Gandoh/Bhaderwah, Doda)
A joint operation involving the Special Operations Group (SOG), Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, and local police was launched after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Sinoo forests of Doda. During the two-phase encounter, one terrorist was killed while attempting to break the security cordon, while two others were neutralised in the subsequent exchange involving explosives. Security forces recovered two M4 carbines, one AK-47 rifle, grenades, and other ammunition from the site. The operation followed the June 11–12 attacks on security establishments in Doda.
Terrorists killed:
• Ruhullah (FT)
• Umar (FT)
• Usman (FT)
Operation ASSAR (14 August 2024 — Akar Forest, Doda–Udhampur Border)
The Army’s 48 Rashtriya Rifles, assisted by Jammu & Kashmir Police, launched a night ambush operation in the dense forests of Akar/Assar near Patnitop. During the search operation the following morning, Captain Deepak Singh of 48 RR was mortally wounded while leading the team. One Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was later killed during the encounter, and an M4 carbine was recovered from the site. Army sources later identified the terrorist as Abu Mohammad, a foreign terrorist linked to JeM.
Terrorists Killed: 01: Abu Mohd. (FT)
Operation KHANDARA (11 September 2024 — Khandara Top, Basantgarh, Udhampur)
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, 1 Para (SF) and Jammu & Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Khandara Top area of Basantgarh. An exchange of fire broke out during the late afternoon hours, resulting in the killing of two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists.
Terrorists killed:
• Umar Khan (FT)
• Arshad (FT)
Operation KUAIG (28–29 September 2024 — Billawar, Kathua)
Following the Basantgarh encounters, security forces intensified search operations in the Billawar sector of Kathua district. During a joint Army–Police operation supervised by ADGP Anand Jain, one Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed in a firefight in the Billawar/Khog area. Head Constable Bashir Ahmed of Jammu & Kashmir Police was also killed during the exchange of fire, while two policemen sustained injuries. Authorities stated that more terrorists were believed to be hiding in the region, prompting an extended manhunt.
Terrorists killed: Jabbar (FT)
Operation CHHATRU (9–12 April 2025 — Naidgam/Chhatroo, Kishtwar)
Based on intelligence inputs from police and intelligence agencies, a joint force comprising 2 para sf, 7 Assam Rifles, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, and J&K Police SOG launched an operation in the Chhatroo forests of Kishtwar. On 12 April 2025, a prolonged gunbattle resulted in the killing of three Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists identified as Mawaiya, Farman, and Basha.
Terrorist Killed: 03:
Mavi (FT)
Farman (FT)
Basha (FT)
Operation BIHALI (27 June 2025 — Din Bihali Meadows, Basantgarh, Udhampur)
Operation Bihali was launched after nearly a year of surveillance on four JeM terrorists operating in the region. Army para commandos from CIF Delta/White Knight Corps, along with Jammu & Kashmir Police, surrounded the terrorists near Karoor Nallah in Basantgarh. One Pakistani Jaish terrorist was killed during the operation, while three others managed to remain concealed in the area amid rain and poor visibility. The killed terrorist was later identified as“Maulvi alias Haider.” An M4 carbine and ammunition were recovered from the site.
Terrorist Killed: 01:
Maulvi Haider (FT)
Operation PARHETAR (22 January 2026 — Parhetar Village, Billawar, Kathua)
On an intel report, Army, JKP and CRPF, launched a cordon-and-search operation in Parhetar village of Billawar. During the encounter, one Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed and an M4 rifle was recovered. Police later identified the terrorist as Huzaifa Salam alias Zubair.
Terrorist Killed: 01: ‐
Zubair (FT)
Operation KIYA (3–4 February 2026 — Jophar Forest, Basantgarh, Udhampur)
Acting on intelligence provided by Jammu & Kashmir Police, security forces launched Operation Kiya in the Jophar forest area of Basantgarh. The mouth of the cave was subsequently blasted in a controlled explosion followed by an assault by the 4 PARA SF squad which led to the elimination of two terrorists identified as Maavi and Nikku. An M4 carbine and AK-47 rifle were recovered during the operation.
Terrorist Killed: 02: ‐
Nikku (FT)
Luqman (FT)
Operation TRASHI-I (January–February 2026 — Chhatroo, Kishtwar)
Operation Trashi-I marked the final phase of the hunt for the Azraeel Group. Beginning on 14 January 2026, Army units, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police conducted sustained operations in the forests of Kishtwar to track the remaining militants. On 4 February, a terrorist identified by the codename “Adil” was killed. The final assault took place on 22 February 2026, when security forces launched a coordinated strike on the group’s last hideout in the forests of Chhatroo, killing Saifullah, Chaudhary Mutablir Hussain, and IIyas. Saifullah was later identified as Hafiz Ateq Nazir. The operation completed the neutralisation of the seven-member JeM module that had infiltrated into the region in April 2024. Army dog “Tyson” was injured during the final assault.
Terrorists Killed: 04: ‐
Saifullah (FT)
Chaudhary (FT)
Adil (FT) and IIyas (FT)
Terror Attacks Linked to Saifullah’s Group
Intelligence assessments and operational reports linked the Saifullah-led Jaish-e-Mohammed module to multiple attacks across Jammu region between 2024 and 2025. The group primarily operated in the forested belts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Udhampur, carrying out ambushes, targeted attacks, and high-intensity engagements against security forces.
Doda Checkpost Attack (11 June 2024)
Terrorists attacked a joint Army–Police checkpost at Chattargalla in Doda district, injuring six security personnel, including five Rashtriya Rifles soldiers and one Special Police Officer (SPO). The attack marked the beginning of an intensified counter-terror response in the region and directly preceded Operation Lagor.
Kota Top Attack (12 June 2024)
A day after the Chattargalla attack, terrorists struck again at Kota Top in the Sinoo area of Doda district, injuring a police constable. Security agencies viewed the attack as part of a continuing JeM assault campaign in the Chenab Valley region.
Kathua Army Convoy Ambush (8 July 2024)
One of the deadliest attacks linked to the module took place on the Machedi–Kindli–Malhar road in Kathua district, where terrorists led by Maulvi ambushed an Army convoy belonging to the 22 Garhwal Rifles using automatic weapons and grenades. Five Army personnel were killed in the attack:
• Naib Subedar Anand Singh Rawat
• Havildar Kamal Singh
• Naik Vinod Singh
• Rifleman Anuj Negi
• Rifleman Adarsh Negi
Security forces returned heavy fire and launched a large-scale search operation in the surrounding forests after the attackers fled the area. Kashmir Tigers later claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Desa Forest Encounter, Doda (15–16 July 2024)
A joint search-and-cordon operation by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Desa forest area of Doda turned into a deadly firefight after Saifullah led terrorists ambushed advancing troops in dense forest terrain. According to Army statements, contact with the terrorists was established around 9 PM, leading to a prolonged exchange of fire. Four Army personnel were killed in action and personal weapons were also stolen:
• Captain Brijesh Thapa
• Naik D. Rajesh
• Sepoy Bijendra
• Sepoy Ajay
Kashmir Tigers later claimed responsibility for the attack and released propaganda material linked to the encounter.
Ambush on 11 RR Patrol, Kishtwar (13 September 2024)
During an intelligence-based search operation in the forests of Kishtwar, terrorists ambushed a patrol comprising personnel from 11 Rashtriya Rifles and local police units. 05 terrorists led by Farman (FT) attacked the lead scout of the 11RR patrol. The ambush resulted in the death of a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and another soldier, while several others were injured during the engagement. Security forces later returned sustained fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw into the forests.
Killing of Village Defence Group Members (7 November 2024)
Two Village Defence Group (VDG) members, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, were abducted and killed by terrorists in the Munzla Dhar forest area near Ohli-Kuntwara village in Kishtwar district while grazing cattle. The victims were blindfolded and killed, and photographs of the killings were later circulated online by terror group Kashmir Tigers.
Encounter in Kishtwar — Operation Trashi (22 May 2025)
A joint operation by Indian security forces in the Singhpora/Chatroo forests of Kishtwar district escalated into a fierce gunbattle after four terrorists led by Saifullah opened fire on search teams. During the ongoing operation, one Army soldier sustained critical injuries and later succumbed. The White Knight Corps later confirmed the casualty while stating that the operation against the terrorists remained active.
The neutralisation of the ‘Azraeel Group’ marked the end of one of the most active Jaish-e-Mohammad terror networks operating in the Jammu region between 2024 and 2026. Originally comprising 18 terrorists divided into three operational groups, the module carried out multiple attacks and ambushes before being systematically dismantled through sustained counter-terror operations led by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF under Operation Trashi and related operations.
Intelligence Bureau (IB) inputs also played a crucial role in multiple operations, including the intelligence that eventually led security forces to Saifullah’s hideout in the Chhatroo forests of Kishtwar, where he was killed along with the remaining members of the module.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been collected through OSINT, publicly available reports, and security sources. This article does not support, glorify, justify, or promote terrorism or extremist organisations in any form.
Special thanks to @hecterosint for PID identification of the terrorists featured in this report.
