Anantnag, Jun 16 (IANS): At least six policemen, including a Station House Officer (SHO), were killed in a militant ambush on a police party near Achabal town in south Kashmir, officials said.

The LeT has claimed responsibility for the attack, that came hours after security forces killed one of the group's top commanders.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Sayed Abid Rashid confirmed the killing of the policemen, adding that two civilians were also injured. The injured have been shifted to Srinagar.

In an e-mailed statement to a local news agency Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police sources said 10-15 heavily armed militants attacked the police party, led by SHO Feroz Ahmad Dar, near Thajiwara and also looted their weapons.

The attack came hours after security forces killed two LeT militants, including commander Junaid Mattoo, in Arwani village of south Kashmir.

Last month, the LeT had issued a stern warning to policemen in the Valley "to quit and return home forthwith, otherwise be prepared to die".