Pakistani LeT terrorist Yasir killed in Jammu and Kashmir security operation
Budgam: A major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant turn after security forces identified the terrorist killed during Operation Ashdar in Budgam district as Yasir, a Pakistani national allegedly associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was launched following intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movement in the strategically important Ashdar Gali area.
The encounter has drawn attention as security agencies continue their efforts to dismantle terror networks operating in the region. The recovery of an AK-series rifle and other war-like equipment from the encounter site has further intensified the investigation into the militant’s activities and possible links.
Operation Ashdar was launched after security agencies received specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of suspected terrorists in the forested areas of Budgam.
The operation was carried out in the Ashdar Gali region, located above the popular Yusmarg tourist destination. The area holds strategic importance as it connects the Kashmir Valley with the Poonch region through the Pir Panjal mountain range.
During the search operation, security personnel detected suspicious movement in the area. When the suspected terrorists were challenged, they allegedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange between militants and security forces. In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed by the security forces.
After the encounter, Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed that the slain terrorist was identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national allegedly affiliated with the banned terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. The police shared the update through a social media post, confirming the identity of the terrorist killed during Operation Ashdar.
Security agencies are now investigating several aspects linked to Yasir, including his possible route of infiltration, duration of stay in Jammu and Kashmir, network connections and suspected role in terror activities. Officials have not yet released further details regarding his age, location in Pakistan or operational responsibilities.
Security forces recovered an AK-series rifle along with other war-like stores from the encounter location after the gunfight. The recovered material is being examined as part of the investigation to determine the operational plans of the terrorist group and whether the weapons were connected to any future attacks. Security agencies are also analysing intelligence inputs and ground evidence collected from the encounter site.
Even after the killing of one terrorist, security forces continued extensive search and combing operations in the surrounding forest areas. Officials suspect that more militants could be hiding in the dense forests, leading to increased surveillance and deployment in the region. The difficult terrain, steep mountains and thick forest cover have made the operation challenging for security personnel working in the area.
The Ashdar Gali region has strategic importance due to its location between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu division. The Pir Panjal belt has historically remained a challenging security zone because of its rugged landscape, remote forest routes and difficult accessibility. Security agencies have maintained heightened monitoring in the region to prevent infiltration attempts and restrict movement of terrorist groups.
The Budgam encounter is among the significant anti-terror operations reported in the Kashmir Valley this year. Earlier, security forces had eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zakir Ahmad Ganai during an operation in Shopian district. The latest operation highlights the continued focus of security agencies on intelligence-based counter-terror missions aimed at preventing militant activities.
Following the Budgam encounter, security forces continue maintaining a high alert in sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Joint operations involving the Army, police and paramilitary forces are being conducted based on intelligence inputs to identify and neutralise possible terror threats. Officials have reiterated that operations will continue in areas where suspicious activities are detected.
The identification of Yasir as a Pakistani national allegedly linked with LeT has once again brought the issue of cross-border terrorism into focus. Security agencies have repeatedly highlighted attempts by terror groups to infiltrate through difficult mountainous routes and establish networks in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest encounter is being seen as another step in the ongoing security campaign against militant infrastructure.
