What is Operation Mahadev? Indian Forces Kill 3 Terrorists Including Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Hashim Musa

In a major counter-terrorism operation, Indian security forces successfully neutralised three Pakistani terrorists on Monday. The encounter took place in the Lidwas forest area near Harwan, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This operation, known as Operation Mahadev, was initiated following intelligence reports indicating terrorist activity in the region.

What is Operation Mahadev? Why This Mission Named as 'Mahadev'?

Operation Mahadev is a high-level counter-terrorism mission carried out by Indian security forces in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at neutralising Suleman Shah, also known as Hashim Musa, the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack.

The operation, named after Mahadev Peak, where the terrorists were hiding, led to the successful elimination of three terrorists associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Operation Mahadev Planning and Execution

The mission was launched after intelligence units detected active Chinese ultra-radio communication, commonly used by Lashkar for encrypted messaging. Over a 14-day surveillance period, security forces tracked the movements of the terrorists hiding in the dense forests at the base of Mahadev Peak, a region often used for jungle warfare training.

The operation commenced around 11 am when a joint team from the 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Para unit detected suspicious movements in Mulnar, Harwan. The forces engaged in a fierce gunfight with the terrorists, resulting in their deaths. The slain individuals were heavily armed, suggesting they were planning another attack.

Among those killed was Jibran, identified as a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative involved in the October 2023 Sonamarg Tunnel attack. This attack had resulted in seven fatalities, including that of a doctor. There are also indications that Suleiman Shah, linked to the Pahalgam terror incident, might have been among those killed.

The Army's Chinar Corps confirmed on social media platform X, "Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues." Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) VK Birdi described it as a "long-drawn operation," with further details pending complete verification.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered

The security forces recovered significant arms and ammunition from the encounter site. Items included an M4 carbine and two AK rifles among other war-like stores. These findings suggest that the terrorists were well-prepared for a major strike.

SSP Srinagar GV Sundeep Chakravarty confirmed that all three terrorists were foreign nationals from Pakistan and affiliated with LeT. However, he noted that definitive links to the Pahalgam attack would be established after thorough identification and forensic analysis.

The operation involved coordinated efforts with drone surveillance employed to monitor the challenging terrain near Dachigam National Park. This region is known for its rugged geography, making it difficult for ground operations alone.