Jaish commander among 3 militants killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 26 (UNI) A commander of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was among three militants killed by the security forces and the state police in the Kashmir valley today, official sources said.

They said Jammu and Kashmir police and Rashitriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint operation at Sogam in the frontier district of Kupwara early this morning following information that some militants were hiding there.

However, when the troops were sealing the area, militants opened fire and also hurled hand grenades. Security forces also retaliated and in the fierce clash the militant was killed.

The slain militant was later identified as Mohammad Iqbal, alias Billa, a resident of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). One AK rifle, three magzines, one wireless set, one mobile phone and Rs ten thousand were recoverd from him.

They said another encounter ensued at Khansodan Magam, Handwara, when militants attacked a joint search party of police and RR today.

During the clash two militants were killed, they said.

UNI