3 terrorists killed in Kreeri encounter: Army

Baramulla, Sep 14: At least three terrorists were killed in a gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the Chak Tappar Kreeri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday, the Army said.

It said that the identity of the killed terrorists had not been established yet.

The Army said that the gunfight in Baramulla occurred even as two Army personnel including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) were killed while two others were injured in an encounter with terrorists in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district.

It identified the two terrorists killed in the operation as Bilal Ahmad Wani, son of Habibullah Wani and Mahim Ahmad Wani, son of Shamshad Ahmad Wani, both residents of Kaschan, Ganderbal.

Addressing media persons at Haiderbeig Pattan, Commander of 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Brig Sanjay Kannoth said that for the last few days, security forces have been receiving inputs about the movement of terrorists in Kreeri and its adjoining areas.

He said that based on specific intelligence input about the presence of terrorists in the Chak Tappar area of Kreeri, the Army’s 29 RR, along with J&K Police, SSB, and CRPF cordoned the area on Friday evening.

Brig Kannoth said that as the search operation was continuing, the terrorists inside a deserted building in the orchards fired a volley of bullets at the security forces, triggering a fierce gunfight.

“The exchange of fire continued throughout the night,” he said. “On Saturday morning, three terrorists were neutralised and huge arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession.”

Brig Kannoth said that the identity of the terrorists could not be ascertained.

Terming the operation a major success for the security forces, he said that considering the forthcoming assembly polls, the operation had assumed significance and was a major setback to Pakistan.