A fierce gunfight is ongoing in the Sanyal village of the Hiranagar sector in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir as security forces exchange fire with suspected terrorists along the India-Pakistan border. 

The operation was initiated on Sunday evening after credible intelligence reports of the presence of heavily armed militants in the area.The combined force consisting of the Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and CRPF raided the dense forest belt along the International Border. 

Security officials have added that as part of the operation, they spotted a trio or quintet of terrorists armed with heavy firearms and engaged in intense gun fire exchange.Reinforcements have been sent to the location to assist the operation.

The Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Nalin Prabhat, is personally keeping an eye on the situation and has ordered top officers to the encounter spot to monitor the operations. Locals have been asked to stay indoors and cooperate with security personnel to keep them safe. 

This incident comes in the wake of a series of recent security operations within the region. During the day, a joint search operation was carried out in the Sangla sector of Surankot in Poonch district following suspicious movement. Further, a terror hideout was also discovered in the Bhalra forest belt of Bhaderwah in Doda district, with arms and ammunition recovered.

The situation in Kathua is still tense as the encounter is ongoing. Security forces are keeping a tight cordon around the site to ensure that the terrorists do not escape. Further updates will be given as and when more information becomes available.