Security forces have launched a massive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua to trace militants who engaged in an exchange of fire with Army troops during the early hours of Saturday. Army has cordoned off the area and conducting searches.

Indian Army officials said suspicious movement was noticed in the Bhatodi area of Kathua district during the early hours of Saturday. “The alert sentry post of a temporary Army camp in Batod panchayat detected the movement of suspected terrorists at around 1.20 am and opened fire,” PTI reported quoting the Army. Terrorists fired back and the exchange of fire continued for about half an hour, officials said.

However, no casualties were reported on either side and Army suspect the three terrorists escaped into a nearby forest. The Indian Army has launched a cordon-and-search operation to track down the terrorists in the area. The attack comes a day ahead of Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.

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