In the early hours of July 30, as part of Operation Shivshakti, security forces killed two terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control in the Deghwar sector of Poonch. A large-scale search operation is ongoing in the area following reports of suspicious activity near the LoC.
The terrorists tried to cross over from Pakistan-Occupied J&K (POJK) but were intercepted and killed by Indian troops, sources said. The operation is still underway, with additional forces deployed to secure and clear the area.
Monday’s encounter came a day before Wednesday’s operation, when security forces eliminated three terrorists, including the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, along with two of his associates, in a separate clash on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Among those killed in Monday’s operation was Suleiman, also known as Asif, believed to be the chief planner of the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.
The Army launched the crackdown, codenamed “Operation Mahadev,” based on technical intercepts linked to a satellite phone used by the attackers involved in the Pahalgam incident.
The other two terrorists killed were identified as Jibran, allegedly involved in last year’s attack on the Sonamarg Tunnel, and Hamza Afghani. Authorities recovered an M4 carbine rifle, two AK rifles, and other ammunition from the encounter site.
The bodies of the slain terrorists were handed over to local police, who assisted with identification. Legal procedures and last rites are being carried out according to standard protocols.
Officials stated that the group’s movement was first detected around 11:30 am on Monday by a joint team from the 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Para units.
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