As the forces were conducting the searches, the militants fired upon them and the security personnel retaliated.

Security forces today killed a militant in an encounter in Sopore township in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, a police official said.

The encounter began after militants opened fire on security forces during a search operation in Dursoo village, he said.

The militant was yet to be identified.

The official said the search operation was launched after specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

The operation was still underway.