Jammu: Security personnel searching for terrorists in Kathua district on Monday night came under fire during a combing operation, sources revealed.

The operation is currently focused on the Panjtirthi region of the Ramkote belt, where security forces have laid a night cordon to prevent the suspected terrorists from fleeing, sources added.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma emphasised that the operation would continue until all terrorists are eliminated, urging residents near the border to stay vigilant and report any unusual activity.

"The operation is ongoing, and as long as there is even one terrorist left, the Jammu and Kashmir Police will persevere in its mission. Our force is dedicated to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir," Sharma told reporters in Reasi.

Security forces have ramped up their search efforts with the assistance of aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs.

Officials disclosed that six individuals had been detained following new intelligence about the movement of three suspected terrorists, believed to have escaped after an earlier encounter in Kathua.

Last Thursday, a fierce gunfight between security forces and terrorists resulted in the deaths of two terrorists and four policemen. Three others, including a deputy superintendent of police, sustained injuries during the clash.

PTI