13 hrs ago
Security Forces Kill Last Lashkar Operative Linked to Pahalgam
Security forces had been searching for Mohammad Asif for several years.
Officials say he was a commander in Lashkar-e-Taiba, an armed militant group.
They linked him and his associates to several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
These attacks killed soldiers, workers, tourists and a local pony operator.
The group moved through forests and mountains to avoid being caught.
Several of Asif’s associates were killed in earlier gunfights.
Asif was eventually found and killed near the forest areas connected to Yusmarg.
Officials say they had increased patrols because they feared he might recruit more people.
Security forces killed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa, in a gunfight.
Officials linked Asif’s network to attacks that killed soldiers, workers, tourists and a local pony operator.
The group allegedly operated across Rajouri-Poonch, the Pir Panjal mountains and the Kashmir Valley from late 2021.
Asif’s associate Yasir was killed earlier, while other members including Junaid Ahmad Bhat and Sulaiman were also killed in separate operations.
Authorities intensified searches near forest settlements after suspecting Asif might recruit more people.
- Who
- Security forces killed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa.
- What
- Asif was killed in a gunfight after a prolonged search for the network allegedly linked to multiple attacks, including the Pahalgam attack.
- Where
- The activity and operations occurred across the Pir Panjal mountains, Rajouri-Poonch and the Kashmir Valley, with the final search focused near Yusmarg.
- When
- The network operated from late 2021, and Asif was killed in the reported Wednesday operation after a 527-day hunt.
- Why
- Security forces were pursuing the group over alleged attacks on civilians, workers and soldiers and were concerned Asif might recruit additional members.
Key facts
- Suspect killed
- Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa
- Group
- Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Reported operational period
- Late 2021 until the reported Wednesday operation
- Pahalgam attack
- On April 22, 2025, 25 tourists and one local pony operator were killed, according to the article.
- Gagangir attack
- Seven workers, including a local doctor, were killed on October 20, 2024.
- Earlier associate killed
- Yasir was killed in a gunfight at Ashdar Gali before Asif’s death.
- Security response
- The army, police and paramilitary forces established temporary operational bases and conducted searches in the mountain areas.
Quotes
A security officer
Security officer describing the final search operation for Asif.
“Knowing that Asif is alone, we intensified the search operations in the area. Situational analysis of the incidents suggested that he may try to come down to the hinterland to recruit a few more people. Not only did the searches continue in the forests, but we also set up strict vigilance in the habitations close to the forests as well.”
indianexpress.com
“As soldiers fanned out across the forests of Poonch and Rajouri to look for the Lashkar module, they shifted north of Pir Panjal into Kashmir Valley. In August 2023, they targeted an army’s temporary bases at Halan in the forests of Kulgam, killing four soldiers.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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