Terrorists affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, a recognized militant group, are apprehended by the security forces in a successful operation carried out in Kishtwar, a locale within Jammu and Kashmir.
In the forested Dool area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, a significant counter-terrorism operation was launched on August 10, 2025. The operation, initiated based on specific intelligence, aimed to neutralize two key local militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group: Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari.
These militants had been active in the district for around eight years and had previously escaped an encounter in July 2025. The security forces, comprising the Indian Army's White Knight Corps, Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group of local police, launched a cordon and search operation early morning.
When the terrorists opened fire, a prolonged gunfight ensued with intermittent exchanges throughout the day. However, no casualties were reported during the initial engagements. The militants eventually fled deeper into the forest but were later neutralized after the discovery of their Hamas-style tunnel system in the Dul forest area, which had been used for concealment and movement.
Mudassar Hazari, a top commander within Hizbul Mujahideen operating in Kishtwar, was among the neutralized terrorists. Riyaz Ahmad, also involved in terrorist activities locally for several years, was the other. Both had previously escaped an encounter in the Hadal Gal forest on July 20, 2025.
The encounter exposed a sophisticated tunnel network resembling Hamas-style tunnels, used by the terrorists for movement and hiding. Security forces strengthened cordons and reinforced initial search parties to effectively trap the terrorists within the forested terrain.
The operation is ongoing, reflecting intense efforts by the security forces to eliminate entrenched terrorist presence in the district. The first contact with the terrorists was established around 6.30 AM on Sunday, and the Army has stated that the operation is still in progress.
- Upon the discovery of their Hamas-style tunnel system in the Dul forest area, the neutralization of key militants Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari, both of Hizbul Mujahideen, was achieved in a counter-terrorism operation in the forested Dool area of Kishtwar district, India, on August 10, 2025.
- In the world of general news and crime-and-justice, the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Kishtwar, India, is significant as it highlights the persistent threats of war-and-conflicts and politics, as militants like Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari continue to evade encounters.
- The neutralization of Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari may also have significant implications for the local cricket scene, as both were known for using their ill-gotten gains to sponsor local cricket tournaments and cultivate influence within the sport's community.
