# Major 90-Hour Security Sweep in Kashmir Valley: 5 Hybrid Terrorists Among 13 Apprehended, Heavy Arms and IED Seized

> Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir conducted a targeted 90-hour security sweep, apprehending five hybrid terrorists and eight associates across multiple districts. The joint operations yielded a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, hand grenades, and an IED.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Jammu & Kashmir · **Published:** 2026-08-27 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/jammu-kashmir/kashmir-ghati-men-90-ghnte-ka-bara-suraksha-abhiyana-5-haibrida-atnkiyon-sameta-13-desha-virodhi-tatva-giraphtara-bhari-matra-men--23334 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Jammu Kashmir, Security Forces, Hybrid Terrorists, Counter Terrorism Operation, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Sopore

In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, security forces operating across the Kashmir Valley apprehended 13 anti-national elements, including five unlisted hybrid terrorists, during an intensive 90-hour multi-district operation. The coordinated sweep was conducted jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based on precise intelligence intercepts. Search operations spanning Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Sopore in Baramulla district resulted in the recovery of a significant arms cache, including an AK-series rifle, pistol firearms, ten hand grenades, over 100 live rounds of ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED), and incriminating anti-national literature and posters. Security has been heightened to red alert status across sensitive zones to prevent any potential disruptions to peace in the region.

## Intel-Driven 90-Hour Intensive Sweep Across the Valley
Senior security officials confirmed that the multi-pronged operation was launched following actionable intelligence intercepted by security agencies. The signals intelligence pointed to a coordinated attempt by handlers operating across the Line of Control (LoC) to orchestrate targeted assassinations and launch grenade attacks against vulnerable security posts and public infrastructure. In response to these credible threats, security forces immediately implemented enhanced surveillance measures, establishing round-the-clock checkpoints, mobile vehicle checkposts, and random search matrices stretching from border corridors to urban hubs and major national highways.

Over the course of the 90-hour campaign, joint security teams executed targeted cordon and search operations (CASO) across strategic sectors. The intelligence disclosures revealed that terror handlers were explicitly directing their local network to recruit and deploy radicalized hybrid elements. By using individuals with no prior criminal or security records, the masterminds aimed to execute hit-and-run attacks with minimal footprint, enabling the perpetrators to slip back into regular civilian life undetected. The preemptive intelligence-led strikes successfully dismantled these active cells before any violent actions could be carried out.

## Understanding 'Hybrid Terrorists' and Their Threat Profile
The rise of hybrid terrorists represents a complex operational challenge for counter-insurgency agencies operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike full-time militants who operate from active hideouts or remote forest camps, hybrid operatives maintain entirely normal public lives. They often function within society as students, daily wage laborers, shopkeepers, or office workers, leaving zero trace in police databases or wanted registries. This absence of prior records makes initial detection through traditional profiling methods exceptionally difficult.

These individuals are typically radicalized through online platforms and covert messaging networks, receiving minimal physical or remote training. When activated by handlers, they are assigned specific taskings, such as carrying out a targeted shooting with a concealed handgun or hurling a hand grenade into a crowded area or security picket. Immediately following the attack, they discard or stash the weapon and seamlessly return to their daily routines. Security officials noted that entities like The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, alongside other affiliated groups such as ULC, systematically maintain these low-signature assets on standby. To counter this evolving threat vector, security presence and surveillance have been intensified around high-footfall markets in Srinagar and along key transport corridors. This operation follows earlier wide-scale raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) across ten locations in connection with cross-border terror conspiracy cases.

## Kulgam Crackdown: Five Unlisted Hybrid Operatives Apprehended
The single largest arrest of hybrid elements took place in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. A joint tactical team comprising Kulgam Police, the 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the 18th Battalion of the CRPF executed a targeted raid following specific intelligence inputs. The operation led to the apprehension of five young men operating as hybrid terror modules without prior law enforcement records.

Official records released by security authorities identified the five detained hybrid operatives as follows

- **Farhan Ahmad Wani:** Aged 22 years
- **Sohaib Ahmad Pala:** Aged 20 years
- **Salman Abbas Lone:** Aged 20 years
- **Nidaish Ahmad Reshi:** Aged 22 years
- **Faizal Akbar:** Aged 30 years

Search of the suspects yielded four 9mm pistols, four matching pistol magazines, 22 live rounds of ammunition, and two hand grenades. Preliminary investigations indicate that the module had been provided weapons to carry out high-profile targeted attacks. All five individuals are undergoing rigorous interrogation to uncover their communication channels, weapon procurement routes, and remaining associates in the network.

## Shopian Interceptions: Six Terror Associates Napped in Dual Operations
In neighboring Shopian district, joint security forces scored two separate successes, apprehending six terror associates linked to established militant outfits. In the first instance, a mobile police team intercepted a motorcycle carrying three individuals from Kulgam district during routine vehicular checking.

A thorough search resulted in the recovery of two live hand grenades along with incriminating posters and literature associated with the proscribed terror organization Hizbul Mujahideen. The three occupants were identified as Junaid Muzaffar Dar, Aamir Yousuf, and Junaid Bashir Dar, all residents of Kulgam district who were traveling through Shopian to deliver contraband or execute assigned tasks.

Shortly thereafter, at a secondary joint checkpoint established by Shopian Police, the 34 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 178th Battalion of the CRPF, security personnel intercepted three additional terror associates hailing from Anantnag district. The individuals were identified as Haris Manzoor, Aashiq Hussain, and Arif Ahmad Kumar. Security forces seized one hand grenade, two AK-47 magazines, 20 live rounds of ammunition, anti-national posters, and multiple mobile devices. Electronic data extracted from the seized phones is currently undergoing forensic analysis to map out their handler network.

## Pulwama Forest Edge Interception: Pistols and Munitions Recovered
In Pulwama district, security forces executed an intelligence-led cordon and search operation (CASO) along a forested sector following reports of suspicious movements. The joint operation was conducted by Pulwama Police, the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 183rd Battalion of the CRPF.

During the sweep, security troops spotted two men emerging under suspicious circumstances from the tree line toward residential areas. The forces swiftly surrounded and intercepted both individuals, identified as Latief Ahmad Deedar and Aijaz Ahmad Bajad. A body search led to the recovery of one handgun, 12 live pistol rounds, and one hand grenade. Investigators suspect the duo was tasked with transporting arms out of a forest hideout for upcoming targeted strikes.

## Northern Sector Operations: Substantial Arms Cache Seized in Sopore
Beyond the operations in South Kashmir, security forces achieved significant results in North Kashmir's Baramulla district. Acting on granular intelligence inputs, a joint search unit of the Indian Army, CRPF, and local police launched a targeted search campaign in the Sopore region.

The search yielded a major stash of weapons and military-grade supplies hidden in the area. Recovered items included one AK-series assault rifle, three rifle magazines, four hand grenades, a large quantity of live ammunition rounds, and various war-like stores. Authorities emphasized that neutralizing this dump has neutralized potential terror plots aimed at disrupting stability in Northern Kashmir.

## Long-Term Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Ongoing Measures
Senior law enforcement officials emphasized that detailed investigations are underway across all registered cases to trace inter-linkages between the seized modules, their logistics providers, and cross-border controllers. Financial transactions, digital footprints, and arms supply routes are being meticulously examined.

Security commanders reiterated that the successful 90-hour operational sweep is part of a sustained, long-term counter-terrorism campaign. The overarching objective is to dismantle the support ecosystem, uncover hidden armaments, and eliminate hybrid modules operating across the Valley. Strict surveillance, random inspections, and heightened vigilance will remain in force from the Line of Control to urban centers and transit routes to maintain peace and stability.

## What this means for you
The swift and comprehensive operation by security forces across Kashmir has strengthened public safety and averted potential targeted terror attacks in the region.

- **In Jammu & Kashmir:** Security measures have been intensified across sensitive zones, commercial markets, and major highways. Residents and commuters may experience additional security checks and identity verifications at transit checkpoints.
- **For Local Youth:** Families are advised to remain vigilant against online radicalization and suspicious digital contacts. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities or unverified online solicitations to local authorities immediately.
- **On Business & Daily Life:** Heavy deployment of security personnel in key commercial hubs ensures stability and public order. Local shopkeepers and business owners can continue daily commercial activities with heightened safety assurance.
- **On Tourism & Travel:** Increased patrolling along highways and tourist destinations reassures visitors entering the Valley. Travelers are advised to carry valid government identification and follow security advisories during movement.
- **Across India:** Counter-terror monitoring has been tightened nationwide to track potential cross-border networks. Investigative agencies across states maintain high alert on suspicious financial traces and communication links.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. How many individuals were detained during the operation in Kashmir?
Security forces apprehended a total of 13 anti-national elements, including five unlisted hybrid terrorists, during the 90-hour operation.

### 2. Which districts were covered during this counter-terrorism sweep?
The joint operations were conducted across Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Sopore in Baramulla district.

### 3. What is the definition of a hybrid terrorist?
Hybrid terrorists are radicalized individuals with no prior police record who live normal civilian lives and execute targeted attacks when instructed by handlers.

### 4. What weapons and war-like stores were recovered during the searches?
Forces recovered one AK rifle, four pistols, ten hand grenades, over 100 rounds of live ammunition, one IED, and incriminating posters.

### 5. Who are the five hybrid terrorists apprehended in Kulgam?
They have been identified as Farhan Ahmad Wani (22), Sohaib Ahmad Pala (20), Salman Abbas Lone (20), Nidaish Ahmad Reshi (22), and Faizal Akbar (30).

### 6. Which terrorist outfits were linked to the apprehended modules?
Officials linked the modules to outfits including The Resistance Front (TRF), LeT-affiliated ULC, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

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