India, Oct. 7 -- An encounter broke out on Tuesday morning between terrorists and security forces in the Kandi area of Rajouri district, intensifying counter-terror operations in the Pir Panjal region.

According to officials, a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the dense forest belt of Kandi. As the security forces zeroed in on the suspected hideout, terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Sources suggest that 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in the forest area. The operation is being conducted under heightened security, with additional reinforcements rushed to...