JAMMU, Feb 4: Security forces are preparing to launch a final assault on two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists holed up inside a natural cave in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, officials said on Wednesday, adding that no exchange of fire took place during the night.
The terrorists were traced to the cave by joint search teams of the Army, police and CRPF in the Jaffer forest area of Ramnagar around 4 pm on Tuesday, triggering a fierce gunfight that continued for over an hour, the officials said.
During the encounter, one of the terrorists was reportedly hit but managed to escape into the cave along with his associate, they said.
A fresh exchange of fire and loud explosions were reported around 7.30 pm when the terrorists attempted to flee under the cover of darkness. Following this, Army reinforcements, including paratroopers and dog squads, were rushed to the spot to further tighten the cordon, officials said.
The night passed without any firing as security forces maintained a tight vigil, particularly around the cave, using drones for surveillance, they added.
Officials said preparations are now underway to carry out a final assault to flush out the terrorists, who have so far refused to surrender. (Agencies)
