2 Jaish & 3 HM militants killed in NKashmir

Srinagar, Sep 18: Five militants, two Pakistan-based Jaish-e -Mohammad (JeM) and three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) -- were killed by security forces in two fierce encounters in north Kashmir today.

A defence ministry spokesman said during surveillance and area domination patrolling, troops of 14 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) observed movement of militants in thick jungles of Sariwas woods on the higher reaches adjoining Bandipora.

He said troops encircled them and asked them to surrender.

Instead the militants opened fire, he said adding troops also retaliated and in the fierce fire fight all the three militants were gunned down.

The slain militants were identified as Farooq Ahmed Khan alias Akram, Shahjahan Khan alias Waqas and Mushtaq Ahmed Khan of HM.

Three AK-56 rifles, six magazines, 117 rounds, two hand grenades, one wireless set and other war like equipment were recovered from the slaim militants.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Viplav Kumar said the SOG and 57 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint operation at Khyar village, Bandipora, about 55 km from here in Baramulla district in the early hours today.

When the troops were about to storm a particular house, militants opened fire while trying to escape in a nearby field.

Troops also retaliated and killed both the militants who were later identified as Mohammad Abu Bakr alias Usman, son of Mohd Iqbal Rayai resident of Kabirwala Khandwal, Punjab, Pakistan and Mohammad Tariq Khan alias Sajid son of Shah Mohd Khan resident of Tradkhal Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Two AK rifles, two hand grenades, two Pouches, eight magazines and 150 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, the SSP said.

UNI