Operation Mahadev: Security forces kill three Lashkar militants, including Pahalgam attack mastermind

SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Lidwas area of Dara on Monday, coinciding with the parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor. Acting on intelligence reports of militant presence, the Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint operation, codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev.’

The gunfight began around 11 a.m. and is still underway, defence officials confirmed. Three militants have been killed so far. Among them is Suleman, also known as Hashim Musa, identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack and a former member of the Pakistan Army. The other two slain militants have been identified as Abu Hamza and Yasir, both Pakistani nationals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Officials said additional troops have been deployed in the area and drone surveillance has been intensified to monitor the situation.

OP MAHADEV Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress.#Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/xSjEegVxra

— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 28, 2025