In a setback to the Hizbul Mujahideen [Images], five top terrorists of the outfit were shot dead on Monday in an encounter with army personnel in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

Acting on a tip off, troops launched a search and cordon operation in Nawapachi area early Monday morning and came under fire from militants, a senior army officer told PTI.

The troops retaliated and in the ensuing encounter five top Hizb terrorists were killed, he said.

Four AK rifles, arms and ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site, the officer said.