A clash between Indian army and resistance fighters in the Desa forests of Doda district in Occupied Kashmir left four Indian Army personnel, including a Major, dead on Monday.

The encounter began around 7:45 pm when armed men hiding in the forest opened fire on a security forces patrol conducting searches in the area. A fierce gun battle ensued for approximately 30 minutes.

While there has been no firing from the other side since then, the operation continues.

Initial reports suggest that a group of six to eight rebels, including foreign nationals, were involved in the attack. This is a larger number than initially estimated.

Following the encounter, neighboring units, including 26 RR, 9 RR, and a special forces team, were deployed alongside drones and helicopters to support the search operation. Additional troops have also been sent to the area.

Five soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter while pursuing the fleeing rebels. While the injured were evacuated to a hospital, four succumbed to their injuries.

The White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, confirmed the injuries sustained by the soldiers in a statement on X, but did not provide further details.

Sources confirmed that the injured included a Major-rank officer.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday morning, receiving an update on the situation and the ongoing operation in Doda.