Operation Ashdar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday identified the terrorist killed during Operation Ashdar in the Yousmarg area of Budgam district as Yasir, a Pakistani national affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The identification came after an encounter with joint security forces on Friday in which the terrorist was neutralised.

Terrorist Identified As Pakistani National

Sharing the details, Jammu and Kashmir Police wrote on X,  "You Can Run But You Can't Hide! The terrorist neutralised, during Op Ashdar, has been identified as Yasir, a Pakistani national of Lashkar e Taiba." The operation comes amid intensified intelligence-based surveillance and joint security operations across the Union Territory. Officials said the elimination of the foreign terrorist is another major blow to terror networks attempting to destabilise peace in the region. 

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Budgam Encounter

The development comes after a terrorist was killed on Friday during a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF deep inside the forests of Ashdar Gali in Budgam district. The operation was launched on Thursday following information regarding the movement of a suspected group of terrorists from Pakherpora in Pulwama toward Yousmarg in Budgam.

According to the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, troops observed suspicious activity and challenged the suspects. The terrorists opened fire, leading to a gunfight in which one terrorist was killed, and an AK rifle was recovered.

"Based on specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF in Ashdar Gali, Budgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised and one AK rifle was recovered. A search operation is in progress," Chinar Corps posted on X.

What Is Operation Ashdar?

Operation Ashdar is a joint counter-terror operation being carried out by the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam district in central Kashmir. As part of this operation, security forces earlier carried out combing operations through the forest area in Pir Panjal range, which connects Budgam to Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Shopian districts. 

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