Killing of 2 foreign terrorists in Hadipora a major success: Army

Kupwara, June 20: Security forces Thursday termed the killing of two foreign terrorists in Hadipora, Rafiabad area of Baramulla district a major success.

Addressing a press conference at 7 sector headquarter located at Watayin Handwara, Commander 7 sector Depak Mohan said that on June 19, a specific information was generated by Sopore Police about the presence of terrorists in a house at Hadipora, Rafiabad, following which Army, Police and CRPF launched a joint operation.

"After zeroing in on the house, two LeT terrorists identified as Usman and Umar were eliminated in the encounter. Usman has been active in Kashmir since 2020," he said.

He said that security forces were enjoying the support by locals which paved the way for killing of these terrorists. He termed the killing of the duo as a major success for security forces.

Brigadier Mohan was flanked by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police north Kashmir, Vivek Gupta, Superintendent of Police Sopore Divya D, Commanding Officer 92 Battalion CRPF Naresh, Commanding Officer 32 RR Garun and other officers of Police and Army.

Meanwhile, the Army in a statement said that over the past few weeks there has been constant information of the movement of a terrorist group in the Sopore-Rafiabad area of Baramulla District.

“A specific intelligence was received through JKP that two terrorists were holed up in a house in Hadipura village of Rafiabad area. Consequently, Indian Army, JKP and CRPF launched a joint operation, swiftly cordoning off the area. Following standard procedures, civilians were safely evacuated from adjacent houses and the area was secured. The target house was thoroughly cordoned off and on the search being commenced, terrorists opened fire on the security forces. In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised,” the statement said.

“The killed terrorists have been identified as Usman and Umar, both of Pakistani origin and associated with LeT. Usman has been active in the Kashmir Valley since 2020. Significant quantities of weapons and ammunition have been recovered after the operation,” reads the statement.

"The elimination of these terrorists marks another major success for the security forces. Over the past few months, we have maintained a high operational tempo, resulting in some major achievements. The success is also attributed to the complete cooperation of the Kashmiri people. Security forces will continue to make sustained efforts to maintain peace and stability in Kashmir," the statement reads further.