SRINAGAR: Three army personnel were killed in an encounter with terrorists when they were conducting a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday.
Army sources informed that the search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists fired on them, injuring three army personnel, who later succumbed to their injuries.
A police official revealed that security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the higher reaches of the Halan forest area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir following inputs about the presence of terrorists there.
Following the attack, a massive search operation was launched by security forces on Saturday to trace the terrorists responsible.
Information also emerged that a terrorist snatched away four AK-47 rifles from the army personnel killed in the encounter.
Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said in a tweet, "Operation Halan #Kulgam. On specific inputs regarding presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations launched by Security Forces on 04 Aug 23. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing.”
In a later tweet, Army's 15 Corps said the operation in the area is still underway on Saturday.
An official revealed how a search operation soon turned into an encounter after terrorists hiding in the area fired at the security forces and they retaliated in turn. During the heavy exchange of gunfire, three security forces personnel were injured and they succumbed even as they were getting treatment.
"#Encounter has started at high reaches of Halan forest area of #Kulgam district. Army & Kulgam Police are on the job. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police also tweeted.
The security forces maintained a tight cordon throughout the night and the search operation was launched on Saturday morning to root out the terrorists, who are believed to be three in number, according to officials.
The officials also informed that the group is believed to have recently infiltrated through the Pir Panjal range into Kashmir.
They also said that additional troops have been rushed to the area and the search operation has been intensified.
Among the casualties In April and May, at least ten army soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in J&K’s Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Meanwhile, it was reported that another search operation has been launched in the Kund area of the district after a blast-like sound was heard there, officials said. Army vehicles passing through the area heard the sound and stopped to launch a search, they said.
On getting the report, a police team has been rushed to the spot and further details were still awaited, the officials added.
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