J-K: LeT top commander killed in encounter in Pulwama

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Ayub Lelhari was killed in an encounter on Wednesday with security forces in Kakpora's Banderpora in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

The firing is underway and the area has been cordoned off, as it is believed that around two to three terrorists have been trapped.

The terrorists initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in the region. Meanwhile, the Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively.

Earlier on Aug 14, the security forces had arrested two terrorists of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen from Handwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the three terrorists killed in Saturday's Shopian encounter was identified as Hizbul Mujahideen's operational commander - Yasin Yatoo.

Hizbul Mujahideen's topmost commander in Kashmir, Mehmood Ghaznavi, was also killed in a gun fight that started on Saturday evening at Shopian.

Last week a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was arrested from Soppore district of the state.

Ishfaq Ahmad Kanna, a resident of Jamia-Qadeem in Sopore, was arrested after an operation was carried out by the Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF) when it was conducting a security check on Seer Amargarh Road. During the security check, Ishfaq jumped over the 'naka' and fled to a nearby orchard.

The suspected area was cordoned off immediately and he was caught and one pistol, one pistol Meg, five pistol rounds and two UBGL grenades were recovered from him.

A case was registered against Ishfaq in the Tarzoo Police Station.

After thorough investigation, it has been found out that the militant is a part of the Lashkar Module in North- Kashmir. He used to work as active recruiter before joining the LeT outfit.

Earlier, on 5th of August, three militants of the Lashkar module were killed at the Jamia Mohalla Amargarh in Sopore.

-ANI