The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday initiated a formal investigation into the death of the alleged mastermind behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
The individual—identified as Sulieman alias Asif—was killed alongside two associates during a precision encounter conducted by the Army’s elite para commandos near Dachigam National Park.
The covert operation, codenamed Operation Mahadev, was launched following a technical lead involving a satellite phone used by the perpetrators of the April 22 attack. Among those killed were Jibran—linked to last year’s Sonamarg Tunnel attack—and Hamza Afghani. Officials confirmed that the bodies have been brought to the Police Control Room for identification, with eyewitness verification underway.
The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—led to intensified counter-terror initiatives, including Operation Sindoor across Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.
Recovered arms from the encounter include an M4 carbine, two AK-series rifles, and assorted munitions. Intelligence reports hint at more operatives possibly hiding in the vicinity, keeping the security apparatus on high alert.
Jibran’s earlier involvement in the October 2024 Gagangir strike, which killed seven, including a doctor, further underscores the significance of this operation.
The NIA continues to interrogate witnesses to ensure accurate identification, while additional probes aim to decode potential terror links and planning nodes behind the attack.
