Security forces gunned down Sajad Afghani, chief commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad, along with his guard Bilal, near the Dal Lake on Thursday afternoon. Afghani had been involved in many attacks on the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior police officer confirmed that the duo, both foreigners, was killed during an encounter near Hazratbal. Details about the gunfight are awaited. Following the shootout, senior police and paramilitary force officers have rushed to the spot.