LeT militant active since 2016 killed in Srinagar encounter

Based on the specific inputs regarding the presence of militants, a joint team of police, army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Srinagar. As soon as the team approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering the gunfight.

Srinagar (Jammu-Kashmir): A Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was killed in an encounter between the militants and security forces on the outskirts of the Srinagar on Sunday morning, police said.

The slain militant has been identified as Saifulla alias Abu Khalid alias Shawaz, resident of Karachi, IGP Vijay Kumar said.

"Killed militant has been identified as Saifullah alias Abu Khalid alias Shawaz, resident of Karachi (Pakistan). He was affiliated with the proscribed militant outfit Lashkar e Toiba (LeT). He infiltrated in 2016 and was active in the general area of Harwan. Shawaz involved in several terror crimes," Kumar said.

He further said,"So far three Pakistani militants have been killed in Srinagar city within 33 days. They were involved in several terror crimes including attacks on security forces and civilian killings. It shows that Pakistan is hell-bent to disturb peace in Valley especially in Srinagar city."

The encounter took place Dharbagh Dhara area of Harwan on the outskirts of Srinagar city early Sunday morning.

Based on the specific inputs regarding the presence of militants, a joint team of police, army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area. As soon as the team approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them which was retaliated, triggering the gunfight, it added.

On December 16, two unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Similarly, on December 15, a local Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed in an overnight encounter between the militants and security forces at the Usgam Pathri area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The slain militant was identified as Feroz Ahmad Dar, a resident of Heff area in Shopian district. Dar had joined militant ranks in 2017 and was involved in many militancy-related incidents.

READ:J-K: Hizbul militant killed in Pulwama encounter