Five militants were killed in an eight-hour long encounter between forces and ultras in forest area of Shopian district on Thursday.A defence spokesman in a statement said, “Based on specific joint intelligence of Army and Police about presence of terrorists in a hideout in the upper reaches of Kohrut area of the Shopian, joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles unit of Army and the SOG, resulting into killing of five militants and recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles, one SLR, One Chinese Pistol, Magazines, ammunition and other war like stores.”“Intelligence inputs about presence of 4-5 militants in a hideout in the forested area of Kohrut, Shopian was received by the Rashtriya Rifles during late evening of 14 January. The operation were launched by 0930 PM on the same night and an effective cordon was established by 0330 hrs on 15 January by the Rashtriya Rifle unit and SOG, blocking all possible escape routes. As the noose was tightened in the morning hours, the militants hiding in the forested area opened heavy volume of fire. In the ensuing fire fight and precise engagement by the Army personnel, two terrorists were eliminated. Search of the area led to recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles, one SLR, One Chinese Pistol, Magazines, ammunition and other war like stores. Out of five terrorists four were local and one was foreign terrorist,” he added.Lt Gen Subrata Saha, the Chinar Corps Commander commended the Rashtriya Rifles and JK Police personnel for generation of effective intelligence and conduct of surgical operations.