Three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Friday (7 January).

The encounter broke out in Budgam's Zolwa village late on Thursday, a police official said.

Three terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire with the security forces, the official said.

'All three slain terrorists were affiliated with JeM terror outfit. Three AK 56 rifles and other incriminating material were recovered from the site of the encounter,' said Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.

While one of the terrorists has been identified as Waseem from Srinagar, the identities of the other two are being ascertained, he said.

The security forces have eliminated over 12 terrorists in the first week of this year.

Earlier on Wednesday (5 January), three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including a Pakistani national, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

On 4 January, two terrorists were eliminated by the security forces in an encounter in the Okay area of Kulgam district.

On Monday (3 January), wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Salem Parray was killed in an encounter with security forces in Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Two more terrorists including a Pakistani national were also killed on 3 January in Gasu near Shalimar area of Srinagar.

On 1 January, the security forces gunned down a terrorist in an encounter in an encounter at Jumagund area of Kupwara.

(With inputs from PTI)