Pahalgam mastermind among 3 Lashkar terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev: Govt Sources

In a major breakthrough, the Army's elite para commandos on Monday gunned down Hashim Musa alias Suleman -- the mastermind of April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam -- along with two other terrorists, reported CNN-News18 quoting government sources. All three were associated with Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, they added.

The three were neutralised after the security forces launched a surprise action, codenamed 'Operation Mahadev', following a technical signal indicating use of a satellite phone that was used by the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack.

The operation was a result of a mix of human and technical intelligence, officials said. Forces were swiftly deployed after the suspects came under surveillance.

The three neutralised terrorists have been identified with pictures as Suleman -- the mastermind of Pahalgam terror attack -- along with two others who have been identified as Jibran and Hamza Afghani, according to sources quoted by CNN-News18.

All three were Pakistani nationals and members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, sources confirmed. Jibran was allegedly involved in the Sonamarg Tunnel attack at Gagangir in October last year. Seven people, including a doctor, were killed in the attack.

As many as 26 persons -- mostly tourists -- were shot dead by terrorists at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, which prompted the armed forces to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7 against the terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

Additional reinforcements of the Army and other security forces have been rushed as intelligence inputs suggested the presence of another group of terrorists in the area, the officials said.

One M4 carbine rifle, two AK rifles and other munitions were recovered from the site of the encounter.

The bodies of the slain terrorists have been handed over to local police, which helped in the identification process, for carrying out legal formalities and final rites as per the standard operating procedure.

The officials said that at around 1130 hours, one party comprising personnel from 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Para unit had detected the group of three terrorists.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) V K Birdi said it was a long-drawn operation which was going on till the last reports.

Earlier, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps in a post on X said three terrorists were killed under Operation Mahadev. "Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation Continues," the Chinar Corps of the Army said.