In a major counter‑terror operation, a Pakistani commander of the banned Lashkar‑e‑Taiba outfit was killed during a fierce encounter with joint security forces in the upper reaches of Yousmarg, central Kashmir’s Budgam district, on Saturday.
The slain militant, identified as Yasir, was neutralised after Special Forces and the Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles launched an intelligence‑based search operation following inputs about terrorist presence in the area. A heavy exchange of fire ensued, leading to Yasir’s death.
According to sources, Yasir had previously been part of the larger Sulaiman Musa group of Lashkar‑e‑Taiba but split nearly a year ago to operate independently. Since then, he had emerged as a key operative in Yousmarg, prompting security agencies to closely monitor his movements.
Officials revealed that Yasir’s networks, links with other Lashkar operatives, and possible involvement in recent terror activities are now under investigation. His elimination is seen as a significant blow to Lashkar’s presence in the region.
The encounter underscores the intensified counter‑terror operations underway across Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces continue to target high‑profile operatives to dismantle militant networks and restore peace in the Valley.
Who was Sulaiman Musa?
Sulaiman Musa, also known as Hashim Moosa, was one of the masterminds behind the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He was gunned down months later in an encounter in Srinagar’s Dachigam forest area.
