A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist wanted in connection with multiple attacks was killed during an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday, officials said.
The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammad Asif, alias ‘Hashim Moosa’. He was killed during Operation Korag, a joint anti-militancy operation carried out by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, J&K Police and the CRPF in the Korag area near Yousmarg.
Security forces launch operation near Yousmarg
According to officials, Moosa was wanted for his alleged role in attacks carried out on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over several years. He had also reportedly managed to escape a security operation in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month.
The operation began after troops detected the movement of suspected terrorists in the area. The security forces challenged them, following which the militants opened 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 Army said in a post on X.
Moosa’s body recovered during search
Officials said Moosa was killed in the remote forest area of Dudhpathri during the operation. The search operation continued after the exchange of fire, with troops subsequently recovering his body.
The Chinar Corps later confirmed the recovery, saying, “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.”
Terrorist linked to attacks in Pir Panjal
Security officials said Moosa was allegedly involved in a series of attacks targeting security forces in the Pir Panjal region.
The group he was associated with was allegedly linked to attacks in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir between 2021 and 2024. Those attacks resulted in the deaths of several Army and security personnel, according to officials.
The joint operation in Budgam is part of continued security efforts in the region to track militants operating in the forested areas around Yousmarg and the Pir Panjal range.