Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir): A Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander and a Pakistani terrorist were among five terrorists associated with terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)and JeM eliminated in two separate encounters with security forces in Pulwama and Budgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Five terrorists including JeM commander terrorist Zahid Wani and a Pakistani terrorist were killed in two encounters in the last 12 hours, said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Sunday.
"Four Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, including a top commander Zahid Wani of Kareemabad Pulwama and a foreigner, were killed in Naira Pulwama while a militant affiliated with Lashker-e-Toiba was killed at Charar-e-Shareef area of Budgam," Inspector General Of police Vijay Kumar said.
"21 militants have been killed in 11 encounters in January month only, among which eight foreign militants were also killed. In the ongoing year, the focus and strategy of the security forces will be to bring the number of militancy below 100," He added further.
Major General Prashant Srivastava, General Officer Commanding (GOC) counter-insurgency Victor Force congratulated all the security forces for conducting a successful operation under the most challenging circumstances.
He said, "This operation is not an isolated operation as you all know its a part of a series of human intelligence-based operations that is been undertaken in 15 core. We have taken a very important step in neutralising the threat of Jaish-e-Mohammad in the area. Zahid Wani who's been a mastermind behind the various IED attacks over the years, since 2017 and has been involved in recent attacks over our civilian brother and sister."
"05 terrorists of Pakistan sponsored proscribed terror outfits LeT and JeM killed in dual encounters in last 12 hours. JeM commander terrorist Zahid Wani and a Pakistani terrorist among the killed. Big success for us: IGP Kashmir," Earlier tweeted Kashmir Zone Police.
As per police, four terrorists have been killed in an encounter that took place between security forces and terrorists in the Naira area of Pulwama district. "Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered. Search is going on," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
However, in an encounter that broke between security forces and terrorists in the Chrar-i-Sharief area of Budgam, one terrorist has been killed. "Incriminating materials including an AK 56 rifle recovered. Search is going on,' said police.
Also read: Clashes ensue between security forces and militants in Pulwama
