Jammu, Jan 19 (KNS): Army helicopters were pressed into service as security forces on Monday resumed a search and cordon operation in Kishtwar district to track down a group of terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of the area, officials said.

The operation, launched on Sunday in the Sonnar village area near Mandral–Singhpora in the Chatroo sector, was suspended late Sunday night due to difficult terrain and poor visibility.

Officials said the operation had escalated into an exchange of fire during the initial contact, in which eight security personnel sustained injuries after terrorists hurled a grenade.

The injured personnel were shifted to hospital for treatment.

With first light, joint teams of the Army, police and paramilitary forces resumed the operation and tightened the cordon to prevent any escape, officials said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Drones and sniffer dogs are being used to comb the densely forested area, while Army helicopters are conducting sorties to maintain aerial surveillance over the operation zone.

According to intelligence inputs, two to three terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), are believed to be trapped in the area.

Officials said there had been no fresh contact with the terrorists since Sunday’s exchange of fire.

The operation was continuing, officials added.(KNS).