Top LeT commander 'Fauji Musa’ killed in Budgam encounter, Indian Army confirms

Security forces have killed one of the most wanted terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir during a joint counter-terrorism operation in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The terrorist, identified as Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, was killed in an operation in the remote and rugged area between the tourist destinations of Yusmarg and Doodhpatri.

The joint operation was launched on Tuesday night following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of terrorists in the higher reaches around Korag. The operation involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Army said that during a search operation in the general area of Palmaidan, troops recovered the body of Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa along with a cache of arms and other war-like stores.

“Update: OP KORAG. Further to the ongoing operation, during the search early morning in General Area Palmaidan, body of Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, recovered along with war-like stores. Operation under progress,” the Indian Army said. According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, troops moving towards a suspected terrorist hideout came under fire, triggering an exchange of fire. One terrorist was subsequently killed in the operation.

The search operation continued through the night, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon across the dense and difficult terrain of the Pir Panjal range to prevent any remaining terrorists from escaping. Security agencies had previously identified Moosa as a senior LeT operative active in Kashmir. Officials have linked him to several terror-related activities and attacks across the Valley, including areas such as Poonch-Rajouri, Gulmarg, Ganderbal and Pahalgam.

In April 2025, investigative agencies released photographs of four terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack. Among those named were suspects identified by aliases including ‘Musa’ and ‘Yunus’. Officials had alleged that Musa was involved in directing LeT operations in Kashmir and in planning and executing attacks in the Valley. The latest operation comes weeks after a joint counter-terrorism operation by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in the high-altitude Korag area near Yusmarg in September. According to officials, Moosa had escaped during an encounter in the Yusmarg hills on September 5, while his close associate and alleged aide, Yasir, was killed.

The killing of Moosa is a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism operations against the LeT in central Kashmir. Security forces are continuing search operations in the area.