Terrorist Cell of Fitna al-Khawarij Eliminated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Counter-Terror Operation
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully neutralize key militant group following intelligence-led raid
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) — A counter-terrorism operation led by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police resulted in the elimination of a terrorist group operating under the banner of Fitna al-Khawarij, Inspector General of Police (IGP) AJK announced.
Based on credible intelligence received on May 28, security forces launched a swift operation in the Hussain Kot area, targeting militants led by Zarnosh Naseem. The group, instead of surrendering, engaged law enforcement with automatic weapons.
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In the ensuing firefight, all four militants—including Zarnosh Naseem, Ulfat Ali, and Jibran—were killed. The operation, however, came at a cost, with two police officers martyred and five others seriously injured.
IG Police AJK praised the professionalism and coordination displayed by the force, emphasizing that this successful action not only dismantled a significant terrorist cell but also maintained the security and peace of the region.
Fitna al-Khawarij militants had planned a fresh wave of terrorist activities in AJK, but heightened security measures thwarted their efforts. According to the IG, Zarnosh Naseem and his associates maintained contact for months with Afghanistan-based terrorists Dr. Abdul Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad, who have been accused of radicalizing Kashmiri youth and orchestrating attacks with alleged support from Indian intelligence agencies.
The IG warned that Kashmiri youth continue to receive training in Afghanistan and collaborate with foreign intelligence for carrying out terrorism.
The operation follows the assassination of Police Constable Sajjad on October 27, 2024, linked to the same terror network. Sajjad was attacked at a police post, with militants Zarnosh Naseem, Usama Aslam, and Ulfat Ali named as perpetrators.
Earlier in April 2024, AJK Police presented evidence confirming that Dr. Abdul Rauf was operating from Afghanistan, actively spreading jihadist propaganda and coordinating terrorist activities alongside Ghazi Shehzad. The duo reportedly planned to target government officials, public gatherings, and key defense installations in AJK.
