Srinagar, April 26 -- Security forces shot dead two militants during an operation in Sopore sub-district on Friday, police said.

Two soldiers and a civilian were also injured during the encounter, officials said.

While there is no official word on the identity or affiliation of the two militants killed in the gunfight, sources said one of the slain militants is a top Pakistani commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad known by the code name of Abu Maaz.

"Maaz, a foreign terrorist was active in north Kashmir for the last few years and is categorized as A plus plus militant," sources said, adding that his killing is a major setback to the terror network in north Kashmir.

The other slain is also suspected to be a foreign terrorist with the code name...