J&K: Encounter breaks out in Tral, 2-3 terrorists trapped

Srinagar, Jan 3: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Tral of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Three militants are believed to be trapped in the gunbattle.

The encounter started early morning in an open area of Gulshan Pora village and is underway.

Police said security forces started a cordon and search operation in Gulshan pora village of Tral area after receiving information about the presence of militants there.

"As the cordon around the hiding militants was tightened, they fired at the surrounding security forces, triggering an encounter which is underway," a police officer said.

Taking to Twitter, police said, "Exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists at higher reaches of Tral, Awantipora."

Exchange of fire between security forces & #terrorists at higher reaches of #Tral Awantipora. Further details will follow. @JmuKmrPolice

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) January 3, 2019

Two days ago, a Special Police Officer (SPO) of J&K Police was killed by suspected militants in the district. The policeman belonged to a village in which another encounter had taken place a few days ago and where four Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants were killed by security forces.