A joint operation by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district has resulted in the killing of a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander. The encounter took place in the Korag area near Yusmarg as security forces carried out a search operation based on intelligence inputs.
The slain militant has been identified in official and media reports by different names, including Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa and Sulaiman Shah alias Musa. India Today identified him as Hashim, alias Fuji Musa.
Operation Korag in Budgam
The operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). According to the Army, troops noticed suspicious movement after launching a search operation in the Korag area on the basis of specific intelligence.
When the suspected militants were challenged, they opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which one militant was killed. A subsequent search recovered the body along with war-like stores, according to the Army.
Musa Was Reportedly Wanted in Multiple Cases
Security officials and news reports have described Musa as a wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba operative allegedly linked to attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports also said he had been operating in the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal region.
The operation followed sustained efforts by security forces to track militants using forested and mountainous areas as hideouts.
Earlier Operation in the Yusmarg Area
The latest encounter comes weeks after another operation in the Yusmarg area in which a Lashkar-linked militant identified as Yasir was killed. Reports said Yasir had been associated with the group linked to Musa.
The latest operation is therefore being viewed by security agencies as another significant development in efforts to locate armed militant groups operating in the region.
Security Operation Continues
While the militant was killed during the encounter, reports said search operations continued in the surrounding area. Security forces are maintaining a presence in the forested terrain around Yusmarg as they check for additional threats.
The Budgam encounter highlights the continued security operations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in difficult mountainous and forested areas where militants have previously attempted to remain concealed.