New Delhi/IBNS: The terror attack that killed five Army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua "won't go unavenged", said India in a strong response to the ambush attack by terrorists on Monday.

Defence Ministry spokesperson A. Bharat Bhushan Babu posted on X, "I express profound grief on the loss of five Bravehearts in a terrorist attack in Badnota, Kathua, and extend deepest condolences to the bereaved families."

"Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered & their sacrifice will not go unavenged and India will defeat the evil forces behind the attack."

Five Army personnel were killed and as many injured after terrorists attacked a military convoy in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Monday afternoon.

The Army vehicles were on a routine patrol on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road when the terrorists opened fire on them about 150 km from Kathua.

After the initial attack, terrorists threw a grenade and then opened fire.

The security forces retaliated but the terrorists fled into the nearby forest, media reports said.

Reinforcements were then rushed to the spot and a search operation was launched to nab the terrorists.