Elite Para Commandos Neutralize Pahalgam Attack Mastermind in Major Breakthrough

The Army's elite para commandos have successfully eliminated Sulieman alias Asif, the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, in an operation near Srinagar. The operation, named 'Operation Mahadev,' also led to the deaths of two other terrorists involved in previous attacks, thus making a significant impact in counter-terrorism efforts.

In a significant development, the Army's elite para commandos neutralized Sulieman alias Asif, the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, along with two associates in a forested area on Srinagar's outskirts, sources confirmed on Monday.

Authorities revealed that Asif, believed to be responsible for the April 22 attack, was eliminated after security forces initiated a surprise operation. The action was triggered by a technical alert involving a satellite phone linked to the Pahalgam attack perpetrators.

Identified among the deceased were Jibran, reportedly linked to last year's Sonamarg Tunnel attack, and Hamza Afghani. The encounter follows the tragic event in which 26 individuals, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam Meadows, spurring the launch of Operation Sindoor against terrorist networks in Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)