Srinagar: The Pakistani Army helped four terrorists attempting to cross the International Border into India through Jammu by allegedly setting one of its posts on fire to divert the attention of surveillance equipment on the Indian side, NDTV reported, citing sources.

The Indian Army successfully thwarted the infiltration attempt, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, while the other two retreated to the Pakistani side.

Earlier in the day, the 16 Corps of the Indian Army, also known as the White Knight Corps, reported the movement of four terrorists in the Akhnoor sector.

A post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Corps mentioned that the terrorists were engaged in gunfire, and observers noted them dragging one body back across the border.

"Infiltration bid foiled in IB sector of #Khour, #Akhnoor. The suspected move of four terrorists seen through own surveillance devices on the night of 22/23 Dec 23. Effective fire brought down. Terrorists seen dragging one body back across the IB," the post said.

The incident is significant not only because Pakistani forces set fire to one of their posts to divert attention but also because infiltration bids are rare on the International Border, which is recognised as the official border between India and Pakistan.

Sources said it indicates that, apart from the Line of Control, Pakistan is activating the International Border as well.

The Army has launched a major operation against infiltration and terrorists in the area, which is within a 200-km radius of the Rajouri-Poonch region that is emerging as a new hotbed of terrorism.

In an encounter on Thursday, four soldiers were martyred and three more sustained injuries.

The confrontation ensued when terrorists opened fire on two Army vehicles while passing through the Dera Ki Gali area.

This incident comes close on the heels of a series of security challenges in the Rajouri-Poonch region, where 10 soldiers lost their lives in twin attacks during April and May.