Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist ‘Musa’ Killed in Encounter in J&K’s Budgam

LeT terrorist Musa killed in Budgam encounter

Srinagar: A most-wanted terrorist belonging to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed in an encounter with security forces in the higher reaches of Budgam district in central Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.

The operation was launched in the Korag area of Yousmarg following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. The Indian Army's Chinar Corps, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), conducted the joint search operation.

Security forces launched Operation Korag

According to the Army, troops detected suspicious activity during the operation and challenged the suspected terrorists. The terrorists allegedly opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was neutralised.

The Army said the operation was still underway when it issued its initial update.

Security officials subsequently identified the slain terrorist as Sulaiman Shah alias ‘Musa’. While the Army's Chinar Corps did not initially disclose his identity, officials told PTI that Musa was the most-wanted terrorist killed in the operation.

Musa had escaped earlier encounter

Officials said Musa had been involved in several attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over the past several years.

He had reportedly escaped an encounter in the Yousmarg hills on September 5. His close associate Yasir was killed during that earlier operation, according to officials.

The latest operation followed sustained efforts by security forces to track the remaining terrorist.

Encounter took place in remote forest area

Reports said the encounter took place in a remote forested area of the higher reaches of Budgam, with security forces continuing search operations after the exchange of fire.

The Army described the operation as intelligence-based and jointly conducted with the J&K Police and CRPF. Further details about the operation and the recovery of weapons or other material were awaited in the initial reports.

Investigation and search operation continue

Security forces are continuing searches in the area to determine whether any other terrorists were present nearby.

The killing of Musa comes as security agencies continue counter-terror operations in the mountainous areas of south and central Kashmir. Officials have described him as a wanted LeT operative linked to multiple attacks, although details of specific cases remain subject to official investigation.