Srinagar, Aug 31 (PTI): Army today foiled a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kashmir, killing five militants.

Troops noticed movement of heavily armed militants near the LoC in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara district, 185 kms from here, during the intervening night of August 30 and 31, an army official said.

The infiltrators were challenged by the troops leading to a gunfight between the two sides.

"So far, five militants have been killed.The combing operation is in progress in the area as there were reports that the group comprised six militants," the official said.

The elimination of the infiltrators comes a day after security forces killed five top foreign militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, including district commander Qari Assadullah, in Kangan area of central Kashmir Ganderbal district.

Infiltration attempts by militants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have increased over the past three months and more than 20 ultras have been killed during operations along the LoC.