Five militants died in an exchange of fire with security forces on Sunday morning in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district. Two security personnel have been injured in the gunfire, ANI reported.

Five civilians were killed in the clashes that erupted soon after between the residents and security forces, according to the Greater Kashmir.

The gunfight started after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Badigam village, an unidentified police official told PTI. They had launched the search operation after getting information about the presence of militants in the village.

“The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants fired upon the forces, which was retaliated,” the official said.