Srinagar, June 8: A joint team of security forces eliminated a militant in Jammu & Kashmir's Anantnag district earlier today. The insurgent, reportedly affiliated to Hizbul Mujahideen, was involved in a gunfight with the forces which began in the early hours of Saturday. Four JeM Terrorists Killed in Pulwama, Two Militants Hurl Bombs at Police Station in Sopore

The gunbattle erupted after the security team launched a scanning operation in Anantnag, part of the volatile South Kashmir region where militancy continues to thrive. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Verinag area following specific information about the presence of militants there, an official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired on the security forces who retaliated. The exchange of fire was going on when last reports came in, the official added.

Since the Pulwama terror attack, the Army, CRPF and J&K police has turned the heat on militants by launching a rigorous operation to sanitise the Valley. Over 80 militants have been killed since February 14, including top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed, the organisation which carried out the attack in Pulwama leaving over 40 security personnel dead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2019 10:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).