As many as 13 militants have been killed in the ongoing operation launched by security forces in a high-altitude region over the Harmukh range in north-east Kashmir, a senior Army officer said on Friday. Thirteen militants have been killed in the operation launched on September 24 following information that militants are moving from Bandipora to Kangan valley of Ganderbal district through high altitude region, General Officer Commanding of Army's Kilo Force Major General V S S Goder told reporters at Sharifabad on the outskirts of the city on Friday.
He said troops of 10 Para and three units of Rashtriya Rifles were mobilised by air and on foot with a view to intercept the militants in the area of Chhamarsar Lake.
Contact was established with the militants on September 25 at the Harmukh ridge towards the Kangan valley in the higher reaches, Goder said, adding the operation is being conducted in inhospitable, harsh and treacherous terrain at altitudes ranging upto 15,000 feet where some of the ravines receive snowfall on a daily basis.
Taking advantage of rocks, folds in the ground and caves, militants took shelter while engaging the troops and in the ensuing firefight 13 militants have been killed, he said.
Gen Goder said the assault has been terminated on October one even though clearing operations for recovery of the bodies of the killed militants and those trapped in the caves was still on.
He said the identity of the slain militants can be ascertained only after the operation is completed. "The area has been cordoned off and clearing operations are continuing."
Gen Goder said 11 AK assault rifles, 27 magazines, 387 rounds and two satellite phones have been recovered so far.