2 IAF commandos, 2 LeT militants killed in encounter in J-K

Two Garud Commandos of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and as many Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were today killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, an army official said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Hajin area of Bandipora district early today following information about presence of militants in the area, he said.

The militants opened firing on the security forces, triggering off a gun battle, the official said.

The Garud commandos, who were part of the operation for training and experience purpose, were injured in the exchange of fire with the militants, he said.

The injured personnel were evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital here where they succumbed to injuries.

They have been identified as Sergeant Milind Kishor and Corporal Nilesh Kumar.

Two militants have been killed in the encounter so far, the official said, adding the slain ultras belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

They have been identified as Ali alias Abu Maaz, a Pakistani militant, and Nasrullah Mir, a local militant.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid said these militants were involved in a number of terror attacks in which security forces personnel and civilians were killed.

"It is a big success for security forces," Vaid said.