Security forces uncovered more than 70 terror hideouts hidden in the high hills and dense forests of Pahalgam. Terrorists killed 26 people in Baisaran Valley on April 22 by targeting tourists based on religion. They escaped into the rugged terrain after the attack, which triggered a large-scale response from the security forces. The Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation.

They continue to carry out the operation in the thick forests of South and North Kashmir. Preliminary findings suggest that the hideouts were carefully built with a military-style layout. The findings indicate that terrorists used local support and military-level tactics to establish the hideouts. Images of these shelters show how terrorists camouflaged them effectively.

They covered pits with wood and dry leaves to hide them. Some hideouts were concealed among rocks to make them appear as natural cracks in the terrain. This level of camouflage indicates that terrorists used commando-style evasion techniques. Security forces recovered one month’s supply of rations from the hideouts.

They found sacks of rice, quilts, and pits used to store gold and weapons. These discoveries suggest that the terrorists intended to remain hidden for an extended period. According to sources, local overground workers (OGWs) provided this information during interrogation. The Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police are continuing their search operation in the forests.

Investigative agencies believe that terrorists used the hideouts not only to plan attacks but also as long-term shelters. The layout and materials found point to a combination of local knowledge and foreign military training. Security forces have dismantled all the hideouts they have located so far.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday morning. They struck nine terror-linked targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These included the Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke.

The government said India had every right to retaliate after the Pahalgam killings. Officials stated that the operation aimed to pre-empt and deter future cross-border attacks. The focus was on destroying terrorist infrastructure and disrupting their operations entirely.