"Four militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district near LoC," a defence spokesman said.
He said four AK 47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the scene of the gunbattle that began in the wee hours.
"The identity and group affiliation of the militants are being ascertained," the spokesman said.
He said the information available so far does not suggest that it was an infiltration bid.