Security forces on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, resumed their search for terrorists hiding in a forest in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation began on Wednesday evening at Kahog village, Billawar. A joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and other forces launched the search after receiving intel about two to three terrorists in the area. About a night-long cordon was kept in place before the search started again in the forest areas around Dhanu Parole-Kamadh nallah. Additional forces and aerial surveillance have been deployed to locate the terrorists. "Despite darkness, thick vegetation and treacherous terrain, the SOG is relentlessly engaging the terrorists. Teams of the CRPF are also participating in the joint operation," said Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu Zone, in a post on X. During the exchange of fire that lasted more than an hour, one security personnel was hit by a bullet in the leg and has been hospitalized. It is not yet clear if any terrorists were injured. The Army, BSF, police, and CRPF have been conducting intense search operations and border patrols in Samba and Kathua districts for the last month. Ahead of Republic Day on January 26, a multi-tier security grid involving BSF, border police, and Village Defence Guards has been placed on alert. Kathua has seen several encounters over the past two years resulting in 16 deaths, including 11 security personnel and five terrorists. Terrorist activity resumed in 2024 after a decade, with deadly clashes causing multiple casualties on both sides. Four civilians have also died under suspicious circumstances, with locals suspecting terrorists’ involvement.