Pulwama, December 22: In a major breakthrough for security forces, six terrorists were killed in an encounter on Friday in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The deceased terrorists belonged to Al Qaeda-affiliate Zakir Musa's group Ansar Ghazwatul Hind, including its Kashmiri deputy, Soliha Akhoon, alias Rehaan Khan. He belonged to Arampora village.

Five other terrorists were identified as Faisal resident of Amlar, Nadeem Sofi, a resident of Batagund Tral, Rasiq Mir, a resident of Dadsara Tral, Rouf and Umar both residents of Dadsara Tral. A huge cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists. Jammu & Kashmir: 6 Terrorists Killed, 1 Soldier Martyred in Shopian Encounter.

Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, “Six terrorists have been killed in the Tral area encounter. Weapons and war-like stores have been recovered. The operation is over.” Mobile Internet service in the district and rail services between the valley and the Bannihal town of Jammu region was suspended. Jammu & Kashmir: 1 Army Jawan Martyred, 4 Terrorists Gunned Down in Shopian Encounter.

A cordon and search operation carried out by a joint team of Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K police after receiving information of presence of terrorists in the area. As per reports, the gun battle broke out as the terrorists opened fire on the security forces. This year, close to 250 terrorists have been gunned down by the security forces in the Kashmir Valley.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2018 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).