Three terrorists killed in Awantipora encounter between militants and security forces; 10 kg bucket IED seized in Srinagar checkpoint

Three LeT militants were killed in a firefight with security forces in Jammu Kashmir's Khandipora in Jammu Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday. At the same time, three more insurgents affiliated with the terror group were nabbed after the seizure of 10 kg of bucket IED at a police checkpoint in Srinagar's Harmanbal area.

Pulwama (J&K): Three terrorists were killed in a firefight with security forces in Pulwama's Khandipora area on Tuesday, police informed. "As per our source, 1 is FT (foreign terrorist) & 1 local terrorist of LeT namely Mukhtiyar Bhat, involved in several terror crimes including killing of 01 ASI of CRPF & 2 RPF personnel. A big success for us," ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.

Officials identified the third neutralized militant to be Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Mukhtar Bhat. Quoting sources, they also said that the trio was on their way to carry out a 'Fidayeen attack' (suicide attack). One AK-74 rifle, one AK-56 rifle and a pistol had been recovered from the group, they further said.

In a separate incident, the police set up a checkpoint in the Harnambal area in Srinagar after information was received about the movement of terrorists there, a police spokesperson said.

"Three hybrid terrorists arrested, 10 kgs Bucket IED & 2 hand grenades recovered. IED is being destroyed in-Situ in Rangreth area by Bomb Disposal squad. Case registered under relevant sections of UAPA, Arms act and Explosives act." Srinagar Police said in a tweet.

The two arrested at the checkpoint, identified as Aamir Mushtaq Dar and Kabil Rashid, disclosed the whereabouts of their companion Aqib Jamal Bhat, who was nabbed from Sozaith in Budgam district, police added.