Three militants were killed in an operation in the Tral area of Pulwama on Wednesday, while a civilian died allegedly during firing by security forces following the operation.
“All three militants were members of the Zakir Musa group. Two AK-47s and one pistol were found on them,” Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir, Muneer Khan said.
In a purported audio clip released recently, Musa claimed to head Ansar-Gazwatul Hind, believed to be Al-Qaeda’s Kashmir chapter.
The three militants, identified as Zahid Bhat, Ishfaq Bhat and Ashraf Dar of Tral, were killed at Gulab Bagh by 42 Rashtriya Rifles and the police’s Special Operation Group.
“Operation was launched after the hiding militants opened fire,” said the police.