At least four Indian soldiers were killed in a gun battle with rebels fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir. The troops were ambushed in the forests of the southern Doda district in the Jammu division. Government forces were conducting search operations in the area when the shooting began. Contact with terrorists was established, and a heavy firefight ensued. Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to avenge the soldiers' deaths. A group claiming to be the Kashmir Tigers took responsibility for the assault, stating they laid an ambush and opened fire on Indian forces. The incident raised the death toll of soldiers and police in the disputed territory to 17 this year. Security officials noted a shift in operations from the Kashmir valley to the southern Jammu area. India's Defence Minister expressed condolences for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. The attack occurred after the Indian Army had killed three fighters attempting to cross the Line of Control from Pakistan. The region has seen a surge in violence, including attacks on army vehicles and pilgrims. The chief of police acknowledged the increase in attacks, aiming to return violence to past levels. Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir but rule different parts. The conflict has led to numerous casualties among civilians, rebels, and government forces. India accuses Pakistan of supporting and sending fighters into the region, a claim Pakistan denies.