IED expert JeM commander reportedly among slain militants in Pulwama

PULWAMA — Among the three militants killed in a gunfight between militants and government forces, one is believed to be the Operational Commander of Jaish-e Muhammad militant outfit, however police said identities are being ascertained.

Sources said that Operational Commander of Jaish-e-Muhammad militant outfit is one among the three militants killed in Kangan village of southern Pulwama district this morning.

As per police records, Ikram alias Faujibhai is an IED expert who is believed to be a close associate of Azhar Masood. Police recently linked him to the incident when explosives were recovered from a car in Pulwama village.

“Three Jaish-e-Muhammad militants have been killed. They are being identified. We have recovered arms and ammunition near the encounter site,” said a police official.

Earlier, Police, Army soldiers from 53 Rashtriya Rifles and 183 Battalion CRPF launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Astan Mohalla of Kangan village.

As the joint team approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, leading to an encounter that culminated with the killing of 3 militants. A soldier has also suffered injuries.