A fierce encounter broke out on Thursday between security forces and terrorists hiding in the Nader area of Tral, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Awantipora sub-division.

According to police, the gunfight began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence inputs. As the troops closed in, the terrorists opened fire, triggering the ongoing exchange.

“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” J&K Police said on X.

This marks the second such encounter this week. On May 13, three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists, including the outfit’s operational chief Shahid Kuttay, were neutralized in Shopian.

Tensions remain high in the region following a spate of Pakistan-sponsored terror activities, including the April 22 massacre of 26 civilians—mostly tourists—in Pahalgam. In retaliation, India conducted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Although a ceasefire understanding was announced on May 10, India has reiterated that any act of terrorism will be considered an act of war. The Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended, and trade ties with Pakistan continue to be frozen.

In the meantime, security forces are assisting residents near the Line of Control who were displaced due to Pakistani shelling, as efforts continue to clear unexploded ordnance from civilian areas.