In yet another blow to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a self-styled divisional commander of the terror outfit was on Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Poonch while a second militant was shot dead in north Kashmir's Handwara district.
Abu Usmaan was killed in exchange of fire during a search operation by 25 Rastriya Rifles (RR) and police in Mehrota in Surankote tehsil of the district, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Poonch, Ashkoor Wani said.
A pistol and ammunition have been found from the encounter site, he said.
Another militant was killed during a military operation launched in Rajwar forests of north Kashmir's Handwara district following a spurt in infiltration attempts by the ultras.
"One militant has been killed in Rajwar forest early today. The operation is still in progress," army spokesman Lt Col J S Brar said.
He said the identity and the group association of the militant have not been ascertained yet.
The spokesman said Army launched a major search operation in the Rajwar forest, over 100 kms from here, five days ago and has been combing the area for any militant presence.
As many as eight infiltration bid have been foiled since July 27, army sources said.
{{/usCountry}}As many as eight infiltration bid have been foiled since July 27, army sources said.
{{/usCountry}}Four top-ranking Pakistani militants of Lashkar were killed in a single operation in Lolab area of Kupwara district on July 15. Earlier, a militant commander in south Kashmir Shabir Ahmad was eliminated in a gunbattle by security forces.