The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), an elite guerilla warfare commando unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time, according to sources. This deployment suggests that security missions similar to anti-Naxal operations in Left-Wing Extremist areas may be conducted in the Valley.

The CoBRA units were previously stationed in Bihar and Jharkhand and were brought to Kashmir’s Kupwara for training in April. However, they had not been assigned any missions until now. A source stated, “But now, they are ready for deployment.”

The CoBRA unit specializes in guerilla warfare tactics, particularly in forested areas. Most CoBRA teams are deployed in Naxal violence-affected states, where commandos are known for their mental and physical toughness. A few teams are also based in northeastern states for counter-insurgency operations.

The CRPF, with approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, is the primary internal security combat unit and is extensively deployed in three major theatres: Jammu and Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism-affected states, and insurgency-hit areas in India’s northeast.

Meanwhile, security forces are in the sixth day of an operation to eliminate terrorists hiding in the Gadole forest area of JandK’s Anantnag district. Drones and helicopters are being used for surveillance in the dense forest area, which contains several cave-like hideouts where terrorists are believed to be holed up. Earlier in the operation, two Army officers and a deputy superintendent of police were killed in an exchange of fire.

As a precautionary measure, the security cordon has been extended to the neighboring Posh Kreeri area to prevent terrorists from escaping into civilian areas. Top officials of the security grid in Kashmir, including the Director General of Police and the General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 15 Corps, are closely monitoring the operation.