India: Security forces kill three suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir July 11

Event

Security officials confirmed that three suspected militants were killed during a raid in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on the night of Tuesday, July 11. According to the police, the operation was carried out after the police received specific intelligence reports about terrorists in the area. Soldiers killed the militants after surrounding their hideout. Officials said that all three men are members of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Context

Security forces are on high alert in the Jammu and Kashmir region after militants carried out two attacks near Anantag on Monday, July 10. During the fighting, a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims was caught in the crossfire. At least seven pilgrims were killed and another 19 wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Kashmir's security forces have been under increased pressure in recent months as militants have stepped up attacks on police and military troops. Armed clashes between protesters, who oppose Indian rule, and government forces have also become more frequent since the killing of popular militant leader Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8, 2016, which sparked widespread unrest in which more than 100 people were killed. Tensions were stoked again in late May 2017 after Sazar Ahmad Bhat, another former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed during a security operation. Violent anti-India protests took place throughout the region in reaction to his death.

Advice

As a reminder, some foreign governments advise against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir state, in particular the border region with Pakistan, due to the high threat of terrorism and other violence.