Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Asif Musa, also known as Hashim Musa and Asif Fauji, was killed in a joint security operation in the Kaivan forests of Budgam district late on Tuesday night. Security agencies described the operation as one of the biggest anti-terror missions in recent months, bringing to an end the hunt for a militant accused of planning and directing several major attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
On Tuesday night, when Musa reportedly emerged from the forest, the joint team intercepted him. Search operations continued in the forest area on Wednesday to determine whether any other militants were present. It added: “Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was neutralised. The operation is in progress. With his death, all four militants identified by investigators in connection with the Pahalgam attack have now been killed. Agencies are continuing formal procedures and further investigations linked to the case.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Budgam Police, 53 Rashtriya Rifles, Para Commandos and the CRPF unit in Budgam. A brief exchange of fire followed between 10.30 pm and 11 pm, during which he was killed.
Officials said security forces had received intelligence inputs about Musa’s presence in the Kaivan forest area nearly five days ago. Security officials said Musa was among the most wanted LeT commanders operating in Kashmir.
Investigators also accused him of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack, the Zojila Tunnel attack and the Gadol attack in Kokernag. His name emerged prominently during the investigation into the Pahalgam case, following the questioning of Over Ground Workers detained by security agencies.
