Following the success of 'Operation Sindoor,' in which security forces neutralised over 100 terrorists, new reports have surfaced indicating the Pakistan Army's use of Chinese-made SH-15 artillery. According to security officials, these artillery systems have been positioned closer to both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC).

The SH-15 artillery system was introduced by the People's Liberation Army between 2018 and 2020 and has since been exported to several countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan signed a deal in 2019 to receive 236 SH-15 artillery units. These systems are equipped with a variety of ammunition, including precision-guided munitions developed by the Chinese defence company Norinco. These munitions can reach a maximum range of 53 km when using rocket-assisted projectiles. Norinco, however, has been banned in the United States.

In the past, the Pakistan Army has procured Chinese-made equipment, such as satellite phones, which were later found to have been provided to terrorists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These satellite phones, along with Chinese apps and navigation systems, were also discovered to be in use by foreign militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Recent security assessments estimate that more than 75 foreign terrorists are currently active in the region. This has raised concerns, especially since both the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) have claimed "zero infiltration," yet the presence of foreign terrorists remains a significant security issue. Most of the foreign militants active today are linked to groups like LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen. All three of these organisations are banned by the Union Home Ministry under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

"Lashkar has the largest presence of militants in the valley and its offshoot The Resistance Force (TRF) has been involved in several attacks on security personnel and civilians in the past. It came into existence in 2019 and has been banned under UAPA," said another official. So far, investigators have not dismissed the possibility that the same group, The Resistance Force (TRF), which was involved in the 2023 Dangri attack and the 2024 Reasi bus attack, could be linked to the Pahalgam attack. However, they have stated that there is no clear breakthrough in identifying the attackers involved in this incident. "TRF, which later backtracked on their claim on the Pahalgam attack, seems to have done so due to pressure from Pakistan. They are very much active online and their identity will be revealed soon," explained an official.