Srinagar, July 30 (IANS): Four militants were killed Tuesday in north Kashmir when the army foiled a second infiltration bid in two days from across the Line of Control (LoC).

"Based on specific information from intelligence agencies regarding likelihood of terrorists attempting infiltration in Machil sector in Kupwara (north Kashmir), alert troops detected move of 5 to 6 terrorists in a 'nala' (ravine), on our side of the LOC at about 6 a.m.," said a defence spokesman.

He said on being challenged by the troops, the terrorists opened fire. The troops retaliated, resulting in the killing of two terrorists.

"Operations were simultaneously launched to eliminate the remaining terrorists, leading to subsequent killing of two more terrorists. Till the last information received, a total of four terrorists were killed in the operations," the spokesman said.

"The alert troops engaged the terrorists by bringing down accurate fire with grenade launchers, claymore mines and small arms. Search operations by the troops in the area are still on and are likely to continue throughout the night," he added.

Earlier, Srinagar-based 15 Corps' general office commanding, Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh told a media conference here that two guerrillas had been killed in Machil sector where the army had foiled the second infiltration bid in two days.

He said operations were continuing.