Srinagar, Jul 9 (IANS): A major infiltration attempt was foiled in north Kashmir's Kupwara district from across the Line of Control (LOC), the army said Tuesday. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the intruders.

"Yesterday (Monday) around 5.30 p.m. our troops noticed movement of eight to nine heavily armed terrorists near Ustad Post in Keran sector of the LOC. The infiltrating terrorists were challenged to surrender, upon which they opened automatic gunfire at the troops triggering an encounter," said defence spokesperson Naresh Vig.

"Heavy casualties were inflicted on the intruders while the infiltration bid was foiled. They had crossed the LOC into the Indian side, but did not succeed in crossing the fenced area."

The defence spokesman did not, however, specify the exact number of guerrillas killed in this gunfight.

"We are yet to recover the bodies of the slain terrorists," the spokesperson said.

Police sources told IANS that five guerrillas are believed to have been killed during the infiltration bid while the rest of the group sneaked back into Pakistani side of the LOC.