Operation Mahadev: Drone shot reveals terror hideout near Mahadev Peak in Srinagar | First Images Out

The first images of the hideout used by the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev in Srinagar were released on Monday. The drone-captured visuals were published by CNN-News18 shortly after the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the killing of three terrorists during the encounter. The operation is still ongoing, the Army added.

Two of the images show arms and ammunition intended for use by the terrorists.

#EXCLUSIVE | First visuals of a makeshift hideout by terrorists, @ShivaniGupta_5 explains further@kaidensharmaa @Ieshan_W
Major (R.) Manik Jolly & Lt. Gen. (R.) Sanjay Kulkarni with views #OperationMahadev #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/tH3GUMoEEi

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— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2025

While there is speculation that the terrorists gunned down on Monday were involved in the Pahalgam attack that took place in April, there has been no official confirmation so far.

A CNN-News18 report, citing sources, stated that the Army has not ruled out the involvement of the terrorists in other major attacks. The report added that the photos show that it was a makeshift hideout with couple of utensils and few clothes and Russian plastic bags. The CNN-News18 report also said that tarpaulin was used for the camouflage.

Why Operation Mahadev? Key reason behind code name

The operation, codenamed Operation Mahadev, is being conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF. The encounter, which is still ongoing, began in the dense Lidwas forest area, officials confirmed on Monday. The codename Mahadev carries both tactical and symbolic significance. Mahadev Peak, situated near New Theed in Srinagar, is part of the Zabarwan Range and holds strategic as well as spiritual importance.