ANANTNAG: Security forces apprehended three terrorist associates in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district and recovered arms and ammunition, a statement released on Monday said.

The statement added that the terrorist associates were held during a naka-checking operation conducted by Anantnag police, in collaboration with 1 Rashtriya Rifle (RR) and 90 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Hassanpura Tulkhan Road.

The terrorist associates were identified as Dawood Ahmad Dar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, and Shahid Ahmad Dar, all residents of Hassanpora Tavela.

"During the operation, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, including One pistol, One pistol magazine, Eight pistol rounds, One grenade and

One Improvised Explosive Device (IED)," it added.

"This joint operation underscores the concerted efforts of the Security forces in combating terrorism and ensuring public safety. The apprehension of these terrorist associates and the seizure of arms and ammunition will significantly disrupt the malicious plans of anti-national elements in the district," it added.

A case under sections 3/4 of the Explosive Substance Act, 7/25 of the Arms Act, and 18, 20, 23, 38 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara.

An investigation is underway.