In a major success for the security forces, three terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in separate encounters in the Udhampur and Kishtwar districts on Wednesday.Two hardcore terrorists, including a self-styled top commander of the JeM, were eliminated by security forces after an operation that continued for nearly 20 hours in Udhampur district of the Jammu division on Wednesday.The encounter began on Tuesday afternoon in the tough terrain of the Jophar forest in the Basantgarh area after the J&K Police received specific intelligence about the presence of two terrorists. The Army launched an operation, codenamed ‘Kiya’.Security forces, including the Special Operations Group of the police, the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta of the Army and the CRPF, reached the spot and identified the area where the terrorists were hiding.The White Knight Corps of the Army said, “Based on specific intelligence input provided by the J&K Police, troops of CIF Delta and White Knight Corps planned and executed a focused joint counter-terror operation in the Jophar forest in coordination with the J&K Police and CRPF. Reinforcing the cordon ensured effective area domination to prevent the escape of terrorists.”It further stated that contact with the terrorists was established on Tuesday and that they were prevented from breaking contact. “Following a calibrated and coordinated response, two terrorists were successfully neutralised. The operation highlighted seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision and high standards of professionalism. The operation concluded successfully. The area remains under surveillance,” it read.The terrorists were reportedly hiding inside a natural cave and attempted to escape multiple times during the operation.Reports suggested that the two militants killed were JeM commanders Mavia and Zubair. However, there was no official confirmation of these reports till evening.The terrorists were heavily armed with US-made M4 carbines, AK-47 rifles and multiple rounds of ammunition, besides grenades. It has been learnt that the two terrorists were moving between the hills of Udhampur and Kathua and had been involved in brief gunfights with security forces earlier.Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma complimented the White Knight Corps for their swift and precise action.Meanwhile, another terrorist was killed in mountainous Kishtwar district after a gunfight erupted on Wednesday evening. Security forces had launched searches in the forest area of Chhatru in Kishtwar district on January 18 after getting intelligence input regarding the presence of militants. During the searches, a group of terrorists hurled grenades resulting in killing of one soldier, while injuring seven others.The White Knight Corps said, “In the continuing search and elimination of terrorists in the Kishtwar region, where the hunt has already led to several contacts in the dense forests and challenging terrain, a contact was re-established with the terrorists on the run in the ongoing joint operation (Trashi-I) by the troops of CIF Delta, White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF at around 5.45 pm today in the general area of Dichhar, Kishtwar. One terrorist was successfully neutralised. Operation is in progress.”