Srinagar: A Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist commander Yasir was killed during a joint search operation in the high-altitude forest of Yusmarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district in a joint operation carried out by security forces, police, and police officers.
The encounter took place as security forces intensified counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir. As we gathered from the information, the combined operation involved personnel from the Indian Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Operation Ashdar launched on Intelligence Inputs
The security forces had received intelligence about the suspected terrorist movement in the Ashdar Gali area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district and the surrounding high-altitude forests near Yusmarg. Based on the information, the security agencies conducted a coordinated search operation under Operation Ashdar.
The challenging terrain and dense forest cover were a challenge for the forces in the field searching. Personnel moved through the area carefully and with increased vigilance on possible terrorist activity.
During the operation, security forces encountered the suspected terrorists. The militants opened fire when troops attempted to intercept them, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Security personnel retaliated, and there was a firefight in the forested area. During the exchange, Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Yasir was killed.
Weapons and War-Like Stores Recovered
Following the encounter, security forces searched the site to make sure no other terrorists were hiding in the area. An AK-series rifle, ammunition, and other war-like stores were recovered from the encounter site.
The recovery of the weapon and ammunition will be the subject of the ongoing investigation into the terrorist network operating in the region.
The security forces are still searching in the surrounding forest areas as there are still fears of additional terrorists in the difficult terrain. The entire area has also been put under high security as forces comb through it.
Yasir’s connection to Suleiman Musa Group
With the new developments, security agencies are looking into Yasir’s links to the network of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Suleiman Musa. Yasir was part of a group linked to Musa, who was killed in Dachigam, Srinagar.
According to the information available, Yasir had worked separately and became a key Lashkar-e-Taiba operative in the Yusmarg and Budgam areas. Security agencies were tracking his suspected presence and activities in the region.
His reported role in leading Lashkar operations in the area had made him a major target for counter-terror agencies. The latest operation resulted in his elimination after security forces acted on intelligence regarding his movement.
Investigation Into Terror Network Underway
Following the operation, security agencies are investigating Yasir’s wider network and his possible connections with other Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Investigators are also examining whether he had any role in planning or supporting recent terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The encounter comes at a time when security forces have stepped up anti-terrorism operations in the Union Territory and in forested and mountainous areas that can provide cover for armed groups.
Officials will continue the search of the Yusmarg-Budgam forest belt to determine if there are still terrorists in the area associated with Yasir. The weapons and other evidence could also give investigators more information on the terrorist network and its activities.
Yasir’s killing has been viewed as a major step forward in counter-terrorism activity in the region, with security agencies still attempting to penetrate and disrupt terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
