Three Lashkar Terrorists Gunned Down in Sopore Encounter, AK-47s Recovered

Srinagar: Three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were gunned down by security forces during an encounter in Sopore town of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir early on Saturday.

Security forces launched an operation following information about the presence of militants in Amargarh area of Sopore, a police official said. He said militants opened firing on the security forces, who retaliated.

Three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the bodies of the terrorists.

One security personnel was injured during the operation and internet services in Baramulla were blocked following the operation.

“Three militants of LeT outfit were killed in an encounter with police and security forces in Sopore,” a statement released to the press by the Jammu and Kashmir police said.

“Acting on a specific information about the presence of militants in Jamia Mohalla, Amargarh locality of Police jurisdiction Tarzoo in Sopore, Police Sopore along with 52 RR, 92, 177, 179 BN CRPF cordoned off the area and launched the search operation (sic),” it added.

“The hiding militants opened fire on the joint search party, triggering an encounter. During encounter, three militants of LeT were eliminated. Their identity is being ascertained. Three AK 74 rifles and magazines recovered from the encounter site.”

The Sopore encounter comes a day after security forces eliminated a newly recruited local militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Anantnag district.

On Thursday, a gunbattle had broken out between militants and security forces in Shopian district during which two Army men, including a Major, were martyred.