Rajouri: At least five army commandos were have been killed in an exchange of fire with a group of terrorists in the forests of Rajouri on Friday.

Army issued a statement saying jawans conducted an intelligence-based operations to flush out a group of terrorists

Initially two jawans were killed and three other were injured. Later, the three jawans also succumbed to the injuries. The deceased include four para commandos and one commando from Rashtriya Rifles.

The army operation against the terrorist is still in progress. The encounter is underway in Kandi belt of Rajouri sector. Additional reinforcement have been sent to the spot. Reports suggest that ADG Mukesh Singh is monitoring the situation on the ground.

Troops are trying to zero in on the group of militants who are believed to be hiding in a cave in the dense forest. Two jawans were immediately and three were injured after the holed up terrorists set off a explosive device during the encounter by the Army.

Later, the injured jawans were evacuated to Udhampur Command Hospital. Initial reports suggest that the group of terrorists is trapped in the forest area. There is a possibility of casualties among the terrorist.

Earlier in the day, Army issued a statement saying jawans conducted an intelligence-based operations to flush out a group of terrorists who were involved in an ambush on an army truck in Poonch.

Following specific input about the presence of terrorists in the Kandi Forest, a joint operation was conducted on May 3, 2023. At about 0730 hours on 05 May 2023, a search team established contact with a group of terrorists well entrenched in a cave. The area is thickly vegetated with rocky and steep cliffs.

Meanwhile, Quick Reaction Team Vehicles have been deployed at several entry and exit points. A three pronged operation has been launched by the army to flush out the terrorists.

The natural cavities due to boulders and rocks in forest belt act as a natural and safe hideout for terrorists.