In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Indian security forces successfully neutralised three Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit during a fierce gunbattle under Operation Mahadev in Jammu and Kashmir’s Dara region. The operation marks a significant blow to cross-border militancy and underscores the heightened coordination among Indian security agencies.
The joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police following credible intelligence inputs regarding militant movement near the ecologically sensitive Dachigam National Park. Acting swiftly, the forces cordoned off the Dara forest area, located near Srinagar, late at night. Drone surveillance and night vision equipment were deployed to trace the movement of the heavily armed terrorists.
The encounter escalated in intensity as the terrorists opened fire upon being challenged. A prolonged firefight ensued, lasting several hours. All three militants were gunned down without any casualties to the Indian forces. Sophisticated arms, ammunition, communication devices, and Pakistani-marked supplies were recovered from the site, confirming their foreign origins and links to LeT.
Authorities are now probing whether the eliminated terrorists were directly connected to the deadly Pahalgam attack that occurred on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead and several others injured. That attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, had sparked nationwide outrage and a renewed focus on anti-terror operations in the Union Territory.
Preliminary reports suggest similarities in the tactics used by the terrorists in both incidents, including infiltration routes and communication patterns. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, while DNA and ballistic tests are underway to establish any links to the April massacre.
Security officials have lauded the success of Operation Mahadev as a testament to improved coordination, real-time intelligence-sharing, and increased use of drone-based reconnaissance. “This was a high-risk mission in challenging terrain, and our forces executed it with precision and courage,” said a senior army official.
With this operation, Indian forces have not only foiled a potential major terror strike but also delivered a strong message to Pakistan-based terror groups operating in the region. Vigilance remains high, with combing operations continuing to ensure there are no remaining threats in the surrounding forested areas
