Security forces stepped up their search on January 14, 2026, in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting terrorists hiding in remote villages. The operation began in Najote forest, Billawar tehsil, on January 13 after receiving intel about a terrorist's presence. Officials noted that despite several gunshots fired, there was no direct contact with the terrorist. Fresh inputs revealed that the terrorist escaped the cordon by using the difficult terrain and darkness. Around midnight, he took food from a shepherd before moving deeper into the forest. To track him and his associates, more than a dozen villages near Najote have been put under cordon with reinforcements spreading in different directions. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a search in Jakhole Baira and neighboring villages after a local reported seeing suspicious persons near his cattle shed. No clues have been found yet. Ahead of Republic Day, security has been intensified across Jammu, especially in border and high-altitude areas, to prevent terrorist activities. Officials cited frequent drone intrusions from across the border as a major threat. In response, extra forces have been deployed at vulnerable spots. They are carrying out intensified patrolling, area domination, and night surveillance to stop any infiltration or airdropping of arms and narcotics.