Srinagar/IBNS: A fresh encounter broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, where three terrorists were trapped by the security forces by cordoning off the Panjthirthi area in the district, media reports said.

This is the second gun battle between the forces and terrorists in the last three days.

Security forces have launched a major operation after laying out a night cordon.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma said the operation would continue until the last terrorist was neutralised.

He urged the people living near the border to report any suspicious activities.

"The operation is ongoing, and as long as there is even one terrorist left, the Jammu and Kashmir Police will persevere in its mission. Our force is dedicated to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir," Sharma told reporters in Reasi.

Last week, two terrorists were shot dead, and four police personnel were killed in action in the same area. Five security personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured and are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Teams from the India Army, the National Security Guards (NSG), the Border Security Force (BSF), the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted searches in Kathua for at least five days.

Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, was leading the anti-terrorist operation in the area.

Prabhat confirmed the killing of two terrorists and exuded confidence that other holed-up terrorists would also be neutralised during the operation.