Operation Korag: Top LeT Terrorist Hashim Moosa Killed In Budgam Encounter

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist wanted in connection with several attacks was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday, officials said.

The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, who was wanted for his alleged involvement in attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over several years. Officials said he had also reportedly escaped a security operation in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month.

Moosa was killed during Operation Korag, a joint anti-militancy operation conducted by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Korag area near Yousmarg in Budgam.

‘Terrorist Neutralised’

According to the Army, troops noticed suspicious movement and challenged the suspected terrorists, who responded by opening fire.

“Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised,” the Army said in a post on X.

Moosa was reportedly killed in the remote forest area of Dudhpathri during the operation.

The Chinar Corps later confirmed that his body had been recovered during a search operation.

“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,” the Chinar Corps said on X.

Wanted In Pir Panjal Attacks

Security officials said Moosa was wanted over his alleged involvement in a series of attacks targeting security forces in the Pir Panjal region.

According to officials, the group associated with Moosa was linked to attacks in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir that killed several Army and security personnel between 2021 and 2024.

The operation in Budgam was part of ongoing counter-militancy efforts in the region.