SRINAGAR, India — In a recent operation conducted by Indian security forces in the southern Kulgam district of Indian-administered Kashmir, five suspected militants were killed during an intense firefight on Thursday, according to reports from the Indian military.

Upon receiving credible intelligence about the presence of militants in a local village, soldiers alongside police forces commenced an operation to apprehend them. The militants reportedly opened fire on the approaching troops, resulting in a fierce gunbattle as the situation escalated.

The military confirmed that five militants lost their lives during the confrontation, while two soldiers sustained injuries. Following the skirmish, troops remained in the vicinity to continue searching the area for any remaining threats. As of now, there hasn’t been any independent verification of these events.

The region of Kashmir is a point of contention between India and Pakistan, both of which administer different areas while claiming the whole territory. Since 1989, militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir have engaged in armed resistance against the Indian government. The insurgency garners support from many Muslim Kashmiris who align with the aim of either merging the region with Pakistan or achieving independence.

India labels these militant activities as acts of terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, a claim that Pakistan refutes. Meanwhile, numerous residents of Kashmir view this movement as a legitimate effort for self-determination. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties over the years, with tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and members of security forces having been killed in the struggle.