Kokernag operation enters fifth day

Srinagar, Sep 17 (PTI) The operation to flush out terrorists hiding in Gadole forest area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district entered the fifth day on Sunday as security forces widened the area of operation to neighbouring villages and fired several mortar shells towards the forest, officials said. Security forces are using drones and helicopters for surveillance of the dense forest area where terrorists are believed to be holed up since Wednesday after killing two Army officers and a deputy superintendent of police in the initial exchange of fire, the officials said.
As the assault resumed on Sunday morning, the security forces fired several mortar shells towards the forest, they said.
They said there were several cave-like hideouts in the forest area and drones were being used to pinpoint their locations to carry out attacks on them. Drone footage showed a terrorist running for cover after one such hideout was hit by shells fired by security forces on Friday.