Security Forces Achieve Major Success in Kulgam, Hizbul Commander Among 5 Terrorists Killed

In a major operation on Thursday, December 19, 2024, security forces neutralized five terrorists, including top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, also known as Nalli, in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that Farooq Nalli was one of the longest-surviving militants in the valley and was on the A++ category list with a bounty of ₹25 lakh on his head.

Nalli hailed from Deschan Yemrich in Kulgam and had joined Hizbul Mujahideen in 2015. He assumed operational command of the outfit after the death of Saifullah in 2020. After Naveed Babu's arrest during the same year, he was made Hizbul's Commander-in-Chief. He was responsible for many attacks on civilians and security forces. At the time of the operation, Nalli was said to be recruiting locals for the outfit.

Operation Details

It all started late Wednesday night in Qaddar area of Kulgam. On the tip-off, a joint operation was launched by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police in early Thursday morning. The reports say that militants were holed up in a private house when security forces had landed on the spot. When noticed, the terrorists opened heavy fire to try to run. Security forces sealed the entire area and initiated a counter-terrorism operation.

Statement of Authorities

The Army's Chinar Corps of Srinagar stated that precise action was taken for minimal collateral damage and with the safety of civilians. "Based on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched at Qaddar. As they were challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Our soldiers responded effectively and eliminated the threat," the Corps posted on X.