Body cams, sniper-like shots: Pahalgam attackers chose Baisaran to ensure maximum casualties

Security force personnel stand guard at the site of Pahalgam attack (Reuters)

The initial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack has revealed that the attackers, allegedly affiliated with the Resistance Front, a proxy group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), used helmet-mounted cameras to record the entire assault.

The terror attack, which took place in the Baisaran area on Tuesday morning, claimed the lives of at least 26 innocent civilians, mainly tourists.

According to the officials, three terrorists gathered the deceased together, segregating them into male and female groups before confirming their identities.

The attackers used sniper-like tactics in some cases, shooting victims from a distance. Many succumbed to blood loss due to delayed medical assistance. The officials believe the location was strategically chosen to hamper rescue operations, thereby increasing the number of casualties.

Footage retrieved from the helmet cameras played a key role in identifying two of the terrorists. The suspects are believed to be Kashmiris who had previously crossed into Pakistan for training. Security agencies are continuing efforts to confirm their identities and establish their exact movements prior to the attack.

To locate the terrorists, security forces deployed foliage-penetrating radars in the Baisaran forest area. Additionally, aerial surveillance was carried out by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed that an intensive search operation was underway to capture those responsible. The Jammu and Kashmir region has been placed on high alert, with security agencies maintaining a strong presence to prevent any further incidents and ensure the safety of civilians.