Srinagar: Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday after a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist was killed during an encounter in Budgam district. The slain terrorist has been identified by officials as Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa. Security agencies had been looking for him in connection with several militant activities and attacks reported in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the years. The operation was carried out in the Korag area near Yousmarg in Budgam, where security forces launched a coordinated search operation after receiving information about the presence of suspected militants.
Joint Operation Launched Near Yousmarg
The operation, named Operation Korag, was conducted jointly by the Indian Armys Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The area around Yousmarg includes dense forests and difficult mountainous terrain, making search operations challenging for security personnel. Teams were deployed across the suspected zone to prevent the militants from escaping through the forested areas. According to officials, troops detected suspicious movement during the operation. The suspected militants were subsequently challenged by the security forces. The militants allegedly responded with gunfire, triggering an exchange of fire between the two sides.
One Terrorist Killed During Gunbattle
The Army said that its troops noticed suspicious activity while maintaining surveillance in the area. After the suspects were challenged, they opened fire, resulting in a gunfight. During the ensuing exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed. The deceased militant was later identified as Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa, according to security officials. The encounter took place in a remote forested area near Dudhpathri, where security personnel continued search operations following the firefight. Additional security measures were put in place in and around the area to check whether any other militants were hiding nearby.
Moosa Had Earlier Escaped Security Operation
According to officials, Moosa had previously managed to evade security forces during an operation in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month. His escape had prompted security agencies to maintain heightened surveillance in the region. Intelligence inputs regarding his possible movement were subsequently followed up by security forces. Officials said that Moosa had remained associated with militant activities for several years and was wanted in connection with multiple cases.
Alleged Role in Attacks Across Pir Panjal
Security officials have linked Moosa to militant activities on both sides of the Pir Panjal range. The mountain range covers a strategically important region and includes difficult terrain with extensive forests and remote routes. Security agencies have repeatedly carried out operations in such areas to track suspected militant movements. Officials are now examining Moosas alleged connections and network to determine whether he was operating with other militants or had links with additional members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba network.
Army, Police and CRPF Worked Together
The operation involved close coordination between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF. Such joint operations typically combine intelligence inputs, area domination and ground searches to locate suspected militants operating in difficult terrain. Following the encounter, security personnel continued combing the surrounding forests and adjoining areas. The objective was to ensure that no other militant was hiding in the vicinity. Security forces also maintained restrictions around sensitive locations during the operation as a precautionary measure.
Investigation Into Terror Network Continues
The killing of Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa is being viewed by security agencies as an important development in their ongoing efforts against militant networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir. However, officials are continuing to investigate his alleged role in previous attacks and his links with other members of the militant network. The focus is now expected to remain on identifying any remaining associates, tracing the network he was allegedly connected with and gathering further intelligence about militant activity in the region. Security agencies have also urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movement or activity to the authorities. With the conclusion of the gunbattle, search operations in the wider Korag-Yousmarg area are being carried out to rule out the presence of any additional militants.
