In Jammu and Kashmir, a massive joint search operation was today launched by the security forces to track down terrorists responsible for the deadly terror attack in Machedi area of Kathua district yesterday that left five army personnel dead and five others injured.

Akashvani Correspondent reports that the ground search teams are being supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors are also being employed in the operation with a focus on some dense forest areas in the belt.

The joint cordon and search operation was launched by army, police and CRPF in Machedi, Badnote, Kindli and Lohai areas of the Kathua district.

Three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack.

They are part of the same group which was involved in the Basantgarh attack in which a village defence guard Mohd Sharief was killed in an encounter with terrorists on April 28 in Panara village.

Security has been tightened along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) after a deadly terror attack on an army truck in Machedi area of Kathua district on Monday in which five Army personnel were martyred.  

Akashvani Correspondent reports that following the terror attack, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel have been deployed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) in Udhampur.

This measure was taken as the 11th batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims passed through Udhampur this morning. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place by the security forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.  

President Droupadi Murmu has said, the attack on a convoy of Army personnel in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir by terrorists is a cowardly act that deserves condemnation and firm counter-measures.

In a social media post, the President said, her sympathies are with the families of the bravehearts who laid down their lives in this ongoing war against terror in its all forms.

The President Murmu also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the loss of five Indian Army Soldiers in a terrorist attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.

In a social media post, Mr Singh said, the nation stands firm with family of Army Soldiers in this difficult time. He also informed that the Counter Terrorist operations are underway, and Indian soldiers are determined to usher in peace and order in the region.

The Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in this dastardly terror attack.