The anti-militancy operation in the dense Akhal forest area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered 10th day on Sunday.
“The operation is still in progress. The security forces are trying to close in on the positions of the hiding terrorists,” an official said.
The forest area was rattled with explosions and gunfire during the night and day.
Sources said the terrorists hiding in the forest area seem to be highly trained in jungle warfare and are taking advantage of dense foliage to evade detection by drones.
Two Army soldiers have been killed and nine others injured since the encounter began on August 1 in Akhal forest area of Kulgam This is the longest anti-terror operation in Kashmir valley in recent years.
Two terrorists have also reportedly been killed in the encounter. However, there has been no official confirmation so far.
Senior police and Army officers, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat, and the Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are closely monitoring the operation round-the-clock, officials said.
Security forces have pressed drones and helicopters into service to track the terrorists down in the forest area. Para commandos were also assisting the security forces in neutralising the hiding ultras.