Pahalgam Terror Attack-Linked LeT Commander Killed In Budgam Encounter

An Indian Army statement on Wednesday said that a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was killed during an overnight encounter with security forces in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

During an early morning search following the encounter, security forces recovered the body of the militant, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa.

LeT terrorist’s body recovered with war-like material

The Army’s XV Corps said on X that the body was recovered from the general area of Palmaidan during the search operation along with war-like material.

"Further to the ongoing  operation, during the search early morning in General Area Palmaidan, body of Pak based Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa recovered along with war like stores. Operation under progress," the post on X.

Security forces launch search operation based on intelligence input

On Tuesday, the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search operation in Korag based on “specific intelligence input”.

The XV Corps said that troops spotted suspicious movement and, when the terrorists were challenged, they opened fire, leading to a fierce gunfight. The Army said one terrorist was neutralised.

According to reports, Moosa was a key suspect in the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack and was involved in planning the attack.