The Indian army says security forces have killed three suspected separatist rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel J.S. Brar said Friday that the rebels were killed during a gunbattle in the Kupwara district. At least three soldiers were wounded in the fighting, which was said to be ongoing.
Islamist separatists have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from Hindu-majority India or for Kashmir's merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan. The Himalayan region is divided between the two countries, but claimed in full by both.
Thousands have been killed in insurgency-related violence .