Officials said the terrorists lobbed a grenade and then opened automatic fire on army vehicles that were carrying out routine patrolling on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar highway at 3.30 pm today in Kathua district.

"The terrorist attack occurred near Badnota village, which is 150 kilometers from Kathua city," officials said. Earlier, authorities had said that the site of the terror attack was 52 kilometers from Kathua city.

Security forces retaliated, but reports indicate that the terrorists escaped from the scene.

A massive CASO (Corp and Search Operation) was launched in the area after the injured soldiers were taken to hospital for treatment, officials added.

Doctors at the hospital said the condition of two of the wounded soldiers is critical.

Authorities said reinforcements have been sent to the scene to increase the strength of security forces to locate the terrorists responsible for the attack.

Monday's attack is the second major terrorism-related incident in Kathua district in the last four weeks.

Two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed in a gunfight during a search and cordon operation on June 12 and 14 in Hiranagar area of ​​Kathia district.

A major terrorist attack on innocent pilgrims took place in Reasi district of Jammu division on June 9, in which terrorists fired on a bus of pilgrims returning from Shiv-Khori temple.

The terrorists killed the bus driver and continued shooting at the bus after it fell into a gorge. In that attack nine pilgrims died and another 44 were injured.

J&K DGP, R.R.Swain has said that a group of foreign terrorists is active in Poonch hills, Rajouri and adjoining districts taking advantage of the terrain and remoteness of the area.

Security forces have launched an aggressive campaign against terrorists.

On July 6 and 7, six terrorists and two army soldiers were killed in two clashes between terrorists hiding in the Kulgam district of the Valley.