• Source:JND

An encounter erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Khaniyar area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by officials on Saturday. The Kashmir Zone Police announced on X that a cordon and search operation in the Khaniyar district led to an exchange of fire, with police and security personnel actively engaged at the scene. 

Officials reported that a senior commander of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killedin the encounter in the Khanyar area. Two CRPF jawans and two policemen were reportedly injured. Following intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the region, security forces initiated a cordon and search operation early in the morning. As the operation unfolded, army personnel successfully demolished the terrorists' hideout in Khanyar, intensifying efforts to neutralise the threat in the area.

A senior police official informed PTI that the deceased terrorist was a Pakistani national affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). "He has been identified as Usman and was the highest-ranking Pakistani LeT commander in the region," he stated.

A significant explosion occurred in the house in Khansar where the terrorists were hiding, leading to a large fire that filled the area with smoke. The four injured soldiers have been hospitalised for treatment following the incident.

Security Forces Destroy Terrorists' Hideout 

In a recently released video, a cloud of smoke is seen billowing into the sky from the terrorists' hideout in Khanyar, accompanied by the sounds of gunfire during an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in the area. Reports indicate that the army took decisive action to eliminate the threat by destroying a portion of the house where the terrorists were believed to be hiding. This operation aims to drive the terrorists out, and the encounter has been active for several hours as security personnel work to apprehend them.

Usman Linked To Inspector Wani's Murder

 Usman had been operating in the Valley for an extended period and participated in numerous attacks. His death represents a 'significant setback' for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Jammu and Kashmir, the official stated. "He was also involved in the murder of Inspector Masroor Wani," the officer noted. Wani was shot at close range while playing cricket at the Eidgah ground in October 2023. Additionally, "Usman was a key associate of Sajad Gul, the commander of the TRF based in Pakistan," the officer added.

Terrorists Open Fire On Security Forces In Bandipora

The Indian Army reported on X that the terrorists opened fire on security personnel before fleeing into the jungle. They noted that suspicious movement was detected in the Panar area of Bandipora on the evening of November 1, 2024, prompting alert troops to challenge the suspects, who then fired indiscriminately and escaped. 

Earlier today, an encounter between the army and terrorists in Anantnag and Kokernag areas of Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the death of one terrorist in Khanyar, Srinagar. During the operation, four soldiers sustained injuries as security forces engaged with the militants in a tense situation that unfolded throughout the day.

Also In News