Operation Mahadev: How Security Forces Gunned Down 3 Terrorists Likely Linked To Pahalgam Terror Attack— Full Details

Security forces neutralised three suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack on Monday morning during an anti-terror operation in the general area of Lidwas, Jammu & Kashmir.

According to reports, an encounter broke out between Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and security forces in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest near Harwan in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The J&K Police, Indian Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jointly launched anti-terror Operation Mahadev after gunfire was reported in the area earlier in the day.

Citing sources, a News18 report stated that the three terrorists killed during the operation were foreign nationals affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The security forces have intisified the security checking of commuters in the area.

Earlier in the day, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army had confirmed the ongoing anti-terror operation. "Contact established in the general area of Lidwas. Operation in progress," it said in a post on X.

Several media outlets have claimed that the killed terrorists were involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. However, official confirmation is still awaited.

In a subsequent post, the Chinar Corps confirmed that three terrorists had been neutralised in an intense firefight.

The Army further stated that search and combing operations were continuing.

How security forces identified hideouts of terrorists?

The Army intercepted a suspected terrorist communication in the Dachigam area earlier this month. There was suspicion that the person using this communication device might be linked to the Pahalgam attack. Following this, several Army units were deployed in the area, and they have been conducting search operations and surveillance since then. This morning, around 11:30 AM, a team from 24 RR and 4 Para surrounded a group of three terrorists.

This anti-terror operation unfolded as Parliament is set to discuss the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, following a week of disruptions due to Opposition protests demanding a debate on the issue.