Budgam: A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander from Pakistan, identified as Yasir, was killed in an encounter with joint security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Yousmarg area on Saturday.
The gunfight broke out after joint forces launched an intelligence-based search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The action was carried out jointly by the Special Forces and 53 Rashtriya Rifles, who exchanged fire with the terrorists, as reported by India Today.
Yasir was originally part of the larger Sulaiman Musa group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, sources close to the development said. However, he had split from the group nearly a year ago. He had been operating separately after his split from the group and had emerged as a key Lashkar commander in the Yousmarg area.
Authorities said that the security forces had been tracking his movement for a long time. On Saturday, the two crossed paths, which led to a gunfight between them. The forces were successful in eliminating him.
The latest encounter in Yousmarg is part of ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies are now probing Yasir’s networks, his links with other Lashkar operatives and whether he was involved in planning or facilitating any recent terror activities in the region.
Saturday’s development comes a day after another terrorist was killed in Budgam in an encounter with the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF on Friday. His identity is yet to be ascertained.