Operation Mahadev: Chinar Corps kill 3 Let terrorists in J&K's Dara region

Security forces launched a major anti-terror operation, codenamed "Operation Mahadev," in the Lidwas area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, following intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movement. The operation, conducted jointly by the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police, resulted in an intense firefight that neutralized three terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist group.

Key Details of the Operation:

- Terrorists Killed: Three terrorists were killed in the encounter, with their identities yet to be fully confirmed. However, sources indicate they might be Terrorist Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman and Yasir, involved in the Pahalgam attack, and one unidentified individual.
- Recovered Arms: Security forces recovered a US-made carbine, an AK-47, and 17 rifle grenades from the encounter site.
- Operation Status: The operation is ongoing, with additional reinforcements deployed to support the action on the ground and search operations underway in the forested zone to recover weapons and confirm identities.
- Drone Deployment: Drones were used for surveillance to aid in the search and identify potential hideouts or escape routes.

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- Possible Link to Pahalgam Attack: While SSP Srinagar GV Sundeep Chakravarty confirmed the terrorists were Pakistani and belonged to LeT, he didn't confirm their direct involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives on April 22. Intelligence inputs suggested the perpetrators might have shifted base towards the Dachigam area in J&K.

Security Forces' Strategy:

The Indian Army has shifted its counter-terror strategy to a terrain dominance model, occupying strategic peaks and holding positions for extended periods in areas prone to militant movement. This approach has led to increased contact with infiltrators, turning once-safe terrorist hideouts into kill zones .

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