Security forces have scored a major success in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district after a Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba was killed in an encounter. The operation began after a joint team received specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area and launched a search operation, which soon turned into a gunfight. The action was carried out jointly by Special Forces and 53 Rashtriya Rifles.
Jammu and Kashmir Police said the entire operation was conducted under 'Operation Ashdar'. The terrorist killed has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. In a post on X, the police wrote, "You can run, but you cannot hide."
Yasir's old ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba
Investigations have revealed that Yasir was earlier part of Lashkar-e-Taiba's Suleman Musa Group. He had separated from the group nearly a year ago, but continued his terror-linked activities independently through various means after that. Security agencies had been monitoring his movements for some time, and had gathered concrete information about his presence specifically in the Yusmarg area. Sources said that despite parting ways with the group, Yasir had emerged as a key Lashkar-e-Taiba operative in the region. He was reportedly using the higher, difficult terrain of Yusmarg as a hideout, which prompted security forces to launch a search operation there, eventually leading to the encounter.
Anti-terror operations intensify across Jammu and Kashmir
The fresh encounter in Yusmarg comes at a time when security forces are stepping up anti-terrorism operations across Jammu and Kashmir. Following Yasir's killing, investigating agencies are now examining his entire network, including the extent of his links with other Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives and how far his activities in the area had spread.
Security agencies are also probing whether Yasir had any role in planning, executing or facilitating any recent terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir. This part of the investigation is still ongoing, and further details could emerge in the coming days.
