Saturday, July 16 2005 16:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Thirteen militants were today (July 16, 2005) killed, as army troops foiled two attempts by ultras to sneak into the valley in Keran and Uri sectors, a defence spokesman said.

Nine militants were killed at Chotari in Uri sector of North Kashmir's Baramulla district after they had sneaked into this side of the LoC (Line of Control), the spokesman said.

He said the militants were intercepted by security forces at Chotari, south of Rampur village, while they were heading to Gulmarg sector and shot dead in the ensuing gunfight. The operation was going on till last reports came in.

Earlier, the security forces foiled another infiltration bid by killing four militants in Keran sector of Kupwara near the Line of Control, the spokesman said. He said further details regarding the identity of the slain militants, their group affiliation and recovery of arms and ammunition were still awaited.