In a tense confrontation between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday, reports indicate that two members of the Lashkar-e-Toiba group have been neutralized.

Although the Jammu and Kashmir Police, responsible for updating on such events, has yet to release an official statement, sources confirm the demise of two militants in the encounter that erupted in Nihama village of Pulwama on Monday morning.

The militants, identified as Riyaz Ahmad and Rayees, both local residents of Pulwama and associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba, were long under the radar of security forces. While Riyaz joined the militant ranks in 2015, Rayees followed suit in 2021. The intense exchange of fire led to the ignition of the militants’ hiding place, engulfing it in flames.

Monday morning saw security forces launching a cordon and search operation in the Nihama area following specific intelligence regarding militant presence, as stated by a police official.

What began as a search operation swiftly escalated into a fierce encounter when militants opened fire on the advancing security personnel, prompting a retaliatory response.

In an update shared on X, Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the ongoing engagement, stating, “Encounter underway at Nihama area of District Pulwama. Police and security forces are on high alert. Further updates to follow.”

Earlier, a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and military supplies was seized in a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kupwara. The operation, known as ‘Operation Kot Nala,’ was based on specific intelligence, leading to the discovery of a terrorist hideout in the dense forests of Awra, Kupwara.

Highlighting another successful mission, the Indian Army announced the elimination of three terrorists in “Operation Redwani Payeen” in Kulgam on May 6. According to a statement by Chinar Corps on X, the operation spanned approximately 40 hours, resulting in the neutralization of four terrorists and the recovery of additional war-like resources, dealing a significant blow to the terror network.