Anantnag, J&K - As the operation to expel militants from the Kokernag forests entered its fourth day in Anantnag, both the army and police moved closer to the cave-like structure where the terrorists are believed to be hiding.

Utilizing drones and quadcopters, the army maintained surveillance over the Garol forests, and additional troops were deployed to the site on Saturday.

A senior officer with knowledge of the situation stated, "The operation is now in its final stages, and we can expect positive developments very soon."

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army's Northern Command, paid a visit to the Goral area and received a briefing about the ongoing operation.

The army shared on the micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), "Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the operational situation in the ongoing Kokernag operations in Anantnag. He was briefed on the high-intensity operations involving the use of high-tech equipment for surveillance and firepower delivery, along with the precise firepower employed by the forces."

Despite heavy rainfall in the area, the operation persisted, with security forces utilizing heavy weaponry to dislodge the terrorists.

On Friday night, the police stated that they were on the verge of neutralizing two to three entrenched militants. Additional Director General of Police Vijay Kumar cautioned against describing this encounter as an "ambush" and assured that the trapped militants would be eliminated. On Saturday morning, fresh gunfire was reported near the area encircled by the army and police.

Sources suspect that terrorists used steel bullets in their initial engagement with security forces.

Tragically, on Friday, another soldier succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to four. The army has yet to officially confirm the death of the fourth soldier.