A massive joint search operation was launched on Tuesday to track down terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on an army patrol party in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district that left five personnel dead.

The ground search teams are being supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance.

Sniffer dogs and metal detectors are also being employed in the operation with a focus on some dense forest areas in the belt.

Joint cordon and search operation was launched by army, police and CRPF in in Machedi, Badnote, Kindli and Lohai Malhar areas.

Five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were killed, when heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in the remote Machedi area.

Three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack.