Seven separatist guerrillas were Monday killed by security forces in an operation in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

An army patrol party was fired upon by guerrillas in a forest area near Dardpora (Lolab) village of Kupwara, 120 km from here.

The security forces launched an operation against the militants, and seven were killed, the spokesman said.

Security has been beefed up as more militants are believed to be hiding inside the dense forest, he said.

The identity of the slain militants has not been established.