HuJI Div Cdr among four top militants killed in Udhampur

Jammu, Jan 4 (UNI) In a major success, counter insurgency forces today eliminated four top commanders of foreign militant outfits -- Harkat-ul Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and al-Badr -- in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said.

Acting on a tip-off, troops of 58 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) at Deeda in Gool area of Udhampur and gunned down four hardcore militants in the wee hours, Defence spokesman Lt Col S D Goswami said.

The slain militants were identified as HuJI's 'divisional commander' Abu Salim, al-Badr's 'district commander' Abu Bilal, JeM's 'chief commender' Abu Sufiya and 'group commander' Mohd Sharif.

Apart from Mohammad Sharif, who was a local militant, other three were Pakistani nationals, the spokesman further added.

Three AK-56 rifles, one AK-47 and a huge quantity of ammunition and warlike stores were also recovered from the site of operation.

With the killing of four top commanders, Army claims to have virtually destroyed the militant leadership in Udhampur district.

Meanwhile, one overground worker (OGW) of militants died on the spot while another sustained critical splinter injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED), which they were carrying, exploded in Ramban area of Doda district.

UNI