In a joint operation, a team of security forces on Monday killed top Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Khalid in Ladoora area of North Kashmir.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police S P Vaid said it was a major breakthrough for the security forces as the terrorist was involved in many attacks on security camps in North Kashmir.

"He was killed in a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operation Group, local police, the CRPF and the Army," he said.

Khalid, who is a Pakistani national, had been operational in the area for last two to three years and was also instrumental in arranging recruits for the terror outfit, police said.

He had recently carried out an attack on a Special Police Officer and his seven-year-old son at Handwara, they said and added that Khalid was a A++ category top ranking terrorist and carried a cash reward of nearly Rs 7 lakh.

Giving details of the encounter, the police said security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ladoora area following information about the presence of terrorists in the area.