- By Imran Zafar
- Sun, 03 Nov 2024 04:25 PM (IST)
- Source:PTI
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir neutralised a high-profile Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist commander on Saturday in an intensive operation that showcased military tactics and also some unconventional but effective solution, biscuits. During the encounter in Srinagar’s Khanyar locality, security personnel used the snack to pacify stray dogs, ensuring the animals did not alert the target with their barking.
The encounter, which took place on Saturday, was the first major gunfight in Srinagar in over two years and led to the elimination of Usman, a key LeT commander. Officials revealed that Usman, familiar with the region’s terrain, had been involved in orchestrating several attacks in the Valley since the early 2000s. Following a stint in Pakistan, he reportedly returned around 2016-17, and was implicated in the 2023 killing of police inspector Masroor Wani.
Acting on intelligence about Usman's presence in a residential area, security forces meticulously planned a pre-dawn operation to avoid collateral damage. A nine-hour planning phase led to the deployment of police and CRPF personnel, who surrounded a cluster of 30 houses. Recognising that stray dogs in the vicinity could jeopardise the mission, security forces carried biscuits to calm the animals as they moved towards Usman’s hideout.
The confrontation escalated when Usman, armed with an AK-47, a pistol and multiple grenades, opened fire. During the intense exchange, several grenades exploded, briefly setting the house on fire. Security personnel quickly contained the blaze to prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. After hours of gunfire, Usman was neutralised, marking a substantial victory for the security forces. Four personnel sustained injuries during the encounter but are reported to be in stable condition.
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This operation underscored the innovative and strategic lengths authorities go to in their counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir amid rising threats from groups like The Resistance Front, a LeT offshoot targeting non-local labourers and security personnel in recent months.
(With PTI Inputs)