After brief exchange of fire, CASO underway in Kathua forests

Srinagar, Jan 25: Security forces launched a massive search operation in Kathua district on Saturday following an exchange of fire between suspected terrorists and Army troops in the region, officials said.
A senior official said that after a suspicious movement in the Bhatodi area of Kathua late last night, an exchange of fire took place and a few rounds were fired. Search operation is underway, he said.
The official said that an alert sentry post of a temporary Army camp in Batod panchayat detected the movement of suspected terrorists at around 1:20 am and opened fire.
The exchange of fire, which lasted for about 30 minutes, resulted in no reported casualties. According to the Army, three suspected terrorists are believed to have fled into a nearby forest.
The police official further said that the entire forest belt is under a tight security cordon to neutralize the terrorists. The area is mountainous and the forest is dense, making the operation both difficult and dangerous, he said.
“We have intensified with the support of para commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters to eliminate the terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the forest area,” the police official added.