The anti-terror operation launched by security forces in the dense Akhal forest area of Kulgam in south Kashmir entered 11th day on Monday.
“The operation is still in progress. The security forces are moving very cautiously to avoid casualties. They are trying to draw out terrorists, who are apparently hiding in cave-like structures,” a security official said.
Sources said terrorists are highly trained in jungle warfare and are taking advantage of dense foliage to evade detection by drones.
The security officials are using drones, UAVs, helicopters and other surveillance gadgets to track down the movement of the terrorists, who are said to be 5-7 in number.
Two army soldiers have been killed and four others injured in the encounter that began on August 1 in the Akhal forest area of the district.
Two terrorists have also reportedly been killed in the encounter. However, there has been no official confirmation so far.
This is the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir valley in recent years.
Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat and the army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma are monitoring the operation round-the-clock.