Kashmir's Deadliest Terrorist Brought to Justice: A Major Blow to Lashkar-e-Taiba

Kashmir's Deadliest Terrorist Brought to Justice: A Major Blow to Lashkar-e-Taiba

In a significant breakthrough, Indian security forces have gunned down Yasir, a Pakistani national and Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, in central Kashmir's Yusmarg. Yasir was allegedly involved in three major terror incidents in 2024, including an ambush on an IAF convoy in Poonch, an attack on construction workers near Sonamarg, and an attack on the Army in Bota Pathri.

The operation to neutralize Yasir was underway at an altitude of 12,000 to 15,500 feet in the Pir Panjal range, with the Army and its Special Forces dominating the area to thwart any attempt to escape. A second terrorist is still hiding in the area, and a hunt is underway, despite the challenges posed by incessant rain and visibility dropping to as low as five meters.

Yasir was part of a terror group led by Junai Ahmed Bhat, a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander who was killed by security forces in December 2024. Yasir's presence was first detected in 2024, and inputs suggest his involvement in at least three major terror incidents that year.

The ambush on the IAF convoy in Poonch district was one of the most deadly terror attacks in 2024, resulting in the killing of an IAF member and injuring four others. The attack took place near Shahsitar in the Surankote area around 6.15 pm on May 4, 2024, when the troops were returning to their base at Sanai Top.

Another major terror attack took place on October 20, 2024, at Gangangir in Sonamarg, where seven people, including a local doctor, were gunned down by a terrorist group. Yasir was also involved in an attack on the Army in Bota Pathri on October 24, 2024, killing five people, including three soldiers and two porters.

The operation to neutralize Yasir was launched after the Army tracked the movement of the terror group advancing from Ashdar Gali in Poonch towards Pakherpora in Pulwama via Yusmarg. Special Forces and Indian Army units laid an ambush along the mountain passes at altitudes ranging between 12,000 and 15,500 feet.

A tight cordon was established in the area on September 1, and initial contact was made on September 3 at Ashdar Gali, a remote alpine ridge. The encounter site is nearly five hours from the Doodhpathri area of Budgam and is extremely isolated.

The Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF launched a joint search operation in Budgam, with vigilant troops observing suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised and one AK rifle was recovered.

Reinforcements have been deployed across the higher reaches as combing operations continue to track down Musa. More troops have been deployed along the Jammu side of the Pir Panjal to block all possible escape routes.

Yasir's killing is a significant blow to Lashkar-e-Taiba's operations in Kashmir, and a testament to the bravery and determination of Indian security forces. The operation is ongoing, and the nation waits with bated breath for the outcome.

Key Takeaways

• Yasir, a Pakistani national and Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, was gunned down by Indian security forces in central Kashmir's Yusmarg.
• Yasir was allegedly involved in three major terror incidents in 2024, including an ambush on an IAF convoy in Poonch, an attack on construction workers near Sonamarg, and an attack on the Army in Bota Pathri.
• The operation to neutralize Yasir was underway at an altitude of 12,000 to 15,500 feet in the Pir Panjal range, with the Army and its Special Forces dominating the area to thwart any attempt to escape.
• A second terrorist is still hiding in the area, and a hunt is underway, despite the challenges posed by incessant rain and visibility dropping to as low as five meters.