Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist 'Moosa' Killed in Budgam Encounter During Operation Korag

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said. The operation, codenamed Operation Korag, was carried out by a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the forested areas around Yousmarg.

Security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. During the search operation, the suspected terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, triggering an encounter. One terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire. Security forces later recovered his body along with other material described as war-like stores.

Officials identified the slain terrorist as Hashim Moosa, who had been on the radar of security agencies for his alleged involvement in militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Moosa was also suspected of having links to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. Security agencies had been conducting operations to track down those suspected of involvement in the attack.

The latest encounter comes after security forces intensified searches in the Yousmarg and surrounding forest areas. The difficult terrain and dense vegetation in the region have made counter-terror operations particularly challenging. Security forces continued combing operations in the area following the encounter to check for the possible presence of additional terrorists.

The recovered material is being examined by the security agencies as part of the ongoing investigation. Further details about the operation are expected as officials complete their assessment. The killing of Moosa marks another significant development in the security forces’ ongoing operations against militant networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.