More than 150 terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the latest reporting week, a sharp increase from the more than 50 recorded in the preceding week.
The Joint Task Force North-East attributed the development to sustained military pressure, intelligence-led operations and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic measures against terrorist groups in the North-East.
The increasing number of surrenders indicates growing pressure on terrorist networks, particularly their freedom of movement, logistics and ability to sustain fighters and affiliates in their enclaves.
The task force said; “the recovery of weapons and ammunition from some of those who surrendered had also provided an operational advantage, with the items potentially yielding intelligence on terrorist capabilities, structures and support networks.”
The development comes as security forces intensify efforts to weaken terrorist formations and encourage more fighters and affiliates to abandon the groups.
Operation HADIN KAI has increasingly combined battlefield pressure with strategic communication, civil-military engagement and other non-kinetic measures aimed at weakening the networks that sustain terrorism.
Strategic communication remains particularly important in creating credible pathways for individuals willing to disengage from terrorist organisations while reinforcing the consequences of continued association with them.
The Theatre Command said “surrendering persons are profiled, documented and handled in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws, providing a structured process through which their cases can be assessed and processed.”
The latest development also allows Operation HADIN KAI to build on the current momentum by encouraging further disengagement and disrupting the recruitment and sustainment mechanisms that enable terrorist groups to replenish their ranks.
The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience, discipline and operational effectiveness, while urging “them to maintain pressure and continue denying terrorist elements freedom of action across the theatre.”
The increase in surrenders therefore complements ongoing military operations rather than replacing them, with the combined approach aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting support structures, protecting civilians and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and normal socio-economic activity across the North-East.
