India, Aug. 11 -- Intermittent firing and loud explosions shook Kishtwar's Bhagna forest on Monday as security forces continued an operation to flush out two wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists believed to be hiding in a deep cave, officials said.

The encounter began early Sunday after intelligence inputs about the presence of Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari - active in the district for eight years and carrying Rs 10 lakh bounty each. The duo opened fire on search teams at 6:30 a.m. before retreating deeper into the forest.

Additional Army reinforcements, including para commandos, along with police, CRPF personnel, and drones, were deployed to tighten the cordon and prevent escape. The last exchange of fire was reported near the suspect...