Pakistani LeT terrorist Yasir killed in Budgam, officials say

BUDGAM — A terrorist killed during a joint operation in the higher reaches of Yusmarg in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials said here on Saturday.

An official told the news agency KNO that Yasir’s presence was first detected in 2024, and he was part of a LeT group allegedly involved in several attacks across Jammu and Kashmir.

On May 4, 2024, terrorists ambushed an IAF convoy near Shahsitar in the Surankote area of Poonch when the personnel were returning to their base at Sanai Top. One IAF personnel was killed, and four others were injured in the attack. Yasir was a part of the terrorist group that attacked the convoy.

The slain terrorist was also involved in the killing of seven people, including a local doctor, on October 20, 2024, at Gangangir in Sonamarg.

Four days later, on October 24, terrorists ambushed an Army vehicle in the Bota Pathri area near Gulmarg, killing five people, three soldiers and two civilian porters. Officials have linked Yasir to the group involved in the attack.

Also Read ✨ 94% Match

Army says armed militant killed in Budgam exchange of fire

Meanwhile, the security forces intensified the search for another terrorist believed to be hiding in the area. The encounter site is located at a high altitude in the Pir Panjal range, where incessant rain, rugged terrain and extremely poor visibility have made the operation challenging.

Pertinently, Yasir was killed on Friday during Operation Ashdar after security forces detected the movement of a group of terrorists in the area. “The operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF based on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists in the Ashdar Gali area. During the operation, troops observed suspicious movement and, after challenging the suspected terrorists, came under fire,” an official said.

The security forces retaliated, killing one terrorist and recovering an AK-series rifle along with other war-like stores, the official said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, hailed the operation and described it as a “big achievement”. “Big achievement by our Indian Army & Security Forces in the Budgam encounter yesterday. This is another decisive step towards wiping out terrorism from J&K,” the LoP said.