Operation Mahadev: Pahalgam attack mastermind killed, 2 other LeT terrorists shot dead
New Delhi/Srinagar: In a significant blow to cross-border terrorism, Indian Armed Forces on Monday killed three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists — including Suleman Shah, the mastermind behind the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack — during a high-stakes encounter in Jammu and Kashmir.
The anti-terror operation, code-named Operation Mahadev, was launched in the Lidwas area near Dara following intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. Chinar Corps confirmed the development in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues.”
Among the slain militants was Suleman Shah, who had orchestrated the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in the picturesque Baisaran Valley — often referred to as India’s ‘mini Switzerland’. The incident had sent shockwaves across the country and drew international condemnation.
OP MAHADEV – Update
Three terrorist have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation Continues.#Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/5LToapGKuf
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 28, 2025
According to security sources, Shah was neutralised in the early hours of Monday near Srinagar. The two other terrorists have been identified as Abu Hamza and Yasir, both linked to LeT’s shadow outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF) — which had earlier claimed responsibility for the April massacre.
The April 22 carnage was one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, targeting civilians in a tourist-heavy area, further highlighting the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-based terror groups.
The ongoing Operation Mahadev marks a significant tactical success for Indian security agencies, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating terrorism from the region.
