Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander and Pakistani Terrorist Killed in Gunfight with Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir

Two terrorists, one of them a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander trained in Afghanistan, were killed in a gunfight with security forces on Thursday in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation began on Wednesday and resulted in the tragic loss of four army personnel, including two captains, with two others injured. The officials reported that firing had ceased during the night and the area was cordoned off. However, firing resumed on Thursday morning, leading to the elimination of the two terrorists. The operation is currently in its final stage.

A defence spokesman confirmed the death of a Pakistani terrorist during the firing. Later, it was revealed that another terrorist had been eliminated. To prevent their escape, the area was tightly secured with additional security personnel deployed overnight due to the dense forest cover.

The Pakistani terrorist, identified as Quari, was a highly ranked leader of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and a resident of Pakistan. He had received training on both the Pakistan and Afghanistan fronts. Quari had been active in Rajouri-Poonch for the past year, along with his group, and was believed to be the mastermind behind the Dangri and Kandi attacks. Known for his expertise in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sniper operations, Quari operated from caves in the region.

The identity of the second terrorist is currently being verified. The injured army personnel, a major and a jawan, are receiving treatment at the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur.

The White Knight Corps of the Army, in a post on X, stated that the joint operations in the Kalakote area of Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri were launched based on specific intelligence received. The objective was to neutralize the terrorists and maintain peace in the region.

The successful operation against these terrorists highlights the determination of the security forces to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Their relentless efforts and sacrifices continue to protect the lives of innocent civilians and maintain stability in the region.