Five terrorists killed in encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam

Srinagar, Dec 19: Five militants were killed and two security personnel injured in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday morning, officials said.

A police official also confirmed the casualties. However, it said the identity of the killed terrrorists is being ascertained.

"Five #terrorists neutralized in Kulgam anti-terrorist operation. Identification being ascertained. Search operation continues. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police in a post on X said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of the district on Wednesday night following information about the presence of suspected terrorists there, the official said.

The Kashmir Zone Police posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Encounter has started at Kadder area of Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."

Indian Army's Chinar Corps said that the terrorists opened a "heavy volume" of fire when challenged by the security forces.

"OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," it said in a post on X.