Three HM militants, LeT supporter killed in Jammu

Jammu, July 3 (UNI) Three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants and a supporter of Al-Jehad and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed in separate incidents in Rajouri and Doda districts here during the last 24 hours, defence sources said.

Tariq Usman alias Wafadar, a deputy district commander of HM, was killed after two-hour long gun battle in Sharakhi village in Doda district, the sources added.

On a tip off, troops of four Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Task Force (STF) launched a joint operation to flush out militants hiding in the area. The ultras opened fire on the troops and in the ensuing gun battle, Usman was killed.

One AK 47 rifle, three magazines and seven rounds were recovered from the slain militant.

In another operation, security forces shot dead two HM militants in Dharhal area in Rajouri district last night. The slain militants were identified as Ansiar Pathan alias BJ and Mohammad Ikhlak.

One AK 56 rifle, two AK magazines, one hand grenade, one wireless set, 40 AK rounds and Rs 4000 were recovered from them, the sources added.

The encounter was still on when the last report came in.

Security forces also gunned down an Al-Jehad and LeT supporter at his house at Dimfa Dhar Dasnan village in Doda district.

He has been identified as as Saifuddin.

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