Srinagar: Security forces achieved a major breakthrough by eliminating five militants, including the senior-most commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, during a gunbattle in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday.
Police said Hizbul Commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, also known as Farooq Nali, a resident of Deschen Yemrich in Kulgam, was among those killed in the encounter in the Kader area of the district.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir V.K. Birdhi, confirmed the killing of Nali. He said, ''Yes, he is among the five terrorists' killed.”
According to police records, Farooq Nali, in his early 40s, had been active since 2015 and was one of the longest-surviving militants. He was categorised as "A++".
Police officials said that after the death of Hizb operational commander Saifullah in a 2020 gunbattle in Srinagar, Nali had taken over the command of the group.
“His killing is a huge success for the security forces,” a police officer in south Kashmir stated. “Farooq Nali was behind several terror attacks in the region.”
The operation began early Thursday morning, and as the cordon was being laid, the militants opened fire and attempted to flee. “The forces successfully foiled their escape attempt, and in the ensuing gun battle, which lasted nearly two hours, five Hizb militants were neutralised in an orchard,” the officer added.
During the exchange of fire, two Army personnel sustained injuries.
Earlier in the day, the army said a joint operation was launched with police based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists.
“On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volume of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated,” Army’s Srinagar based Chinar Corps said in a post on X.
“Five terrorists have been neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing operation in Kader, Kulgam. During the firefight two soldiers have suffered injuries and have been evacuated for medical care.”