Operation Mahadev: Three LeT terrorists killed in encounter

Srinagar

In a breakthrough, security forces gunned down three high-value Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including Suleman, believed to be the mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, during a joint operation codenamed Operation Mahadev in the Lidwas area near Dachigam National Park on Monday.

According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, the encounter began around 11 AM following specific intelligence inputs about terrorist movement in the Mulnar area of Harwan. The operation, involving the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, is still in progress.

“Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues,” the Chinar Corps said in a post on X. Drone surveillance and reinforcements have been deployed, and a combing operation is underway.

Suleman, also known as Hashim Moosa, was a former Pakistan Army personnel. He was carrying a ₹20 lakh bounty announced by the J&K Police for his role in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Two other terrorists killed in the encounter have been identified as Abu Hamza and Yasir, also Pakistani nationals and LeT operatives.

NDTV accessed visuals of a terrorist hideout deep in the forest, where security forces recovered AK-47 and carbine rifles, 17 rifle grenades, and other arms and ammunition. Officials suspect the group was planning a major strike in the region.