A Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant wanted in connection with several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Budgam district on Tuesday, officials said.
The slain militant was identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, whom security officials described as a key LeT operative involved in attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over several years.
Asif was killed during Operation Korag, a joint operation by the Army’s Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Korag area near Yousmarg.
According to the Army, security forces observed suspicious movement in the area and challenged the suspected militants. The militants responded by opening fire, triggering an exchange of fire.
“Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised,” the Chinar Corps said in a post on X.
The operation continued in the forested area, and security forces later recovered Asif’s body along with weapons and other war-like stores from the General Area Palmaidan, the Army said.
“Further to the ongoing operation, during the search early morning in General Area Palmaidan, body of Pak based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa recovered along with war like stores,” the Chinar Corps said.
Security officials said Asif was wanted for his alleged involvement in a series of attacks on security forces in the Pir Panjal region. His associates were allegedly linked to attacks in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir between 2021 and 2024 that resulted in the deaths of several Army and security personnel.
Officials also said Asif had earlier escaped a security operation in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month.
Security forces have continued search operations in the area following the encounter to ascertain whether any other militants were present and to recover additional weapons or other material.
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