Operation Mahadev: 3 Foreign Terrorists Killed in Kashmir, Key Pahalgam Attack Accused Among Dead

Indian security forces achieved a major breakthrough in their counter-terrorism efforts on Monday under Operation Mahadev, launched in the Lidwas area of Harwan, Srinagar. During an intense encounter, three terrorists were neutralized, including Suleman Shah, believed to be involved in the brutal Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.

Encounter in Harwan Forests

According to the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, the operation began based on specific intelligence inputs. A joint team of the Army, CRPF, and local police cordoned off the Mulnar forest area in Harwan. As the forces closed in on a suspected hideout, they came under fire, triggering a fierce gun battle.

Drones confirmed the killing of three heavily armed terrorists. Two more are believed to be injured, and the search operation is still ongoing.

Suspected Link to Pahalgam Massacre

Sources indicate that the three slain terrorists are foreign nationals, and may be connected to the Pahalgam massacre of 22 April, where 26 unarmed civilians were gunned down. Intelligence reports suggest that Suleman Shah, one of the masterminds behind the Pahalgam attack, is among those killed in Monday’s encounter.

Sketches Released Earlier Match the Dead

After the April attack, security agencies had released sketches of three suspects: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. Officials now believe that the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev could be the same individuals, although official confirmation is pending.

Operation Mahadev: Part of Broader Strategy

This latest action is part of a wider anti-terror crackdown. Following the Pahalgam tragedy, India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps across the border in Pakistan. The offensive was followed by a brief ceasefire on May 10, after retaliatory attempts by Pakistan failed.

Operation Still in Progress

Despite the confirmed deaths, officials caution that more militants could still be hiding in the region. The operation continues, with a full combing operation in progress to flush out any remaining threats.

Security forces say the success of Operation Mahadev not only eliminates key threats but also sends a strong signal to terror networks operating in the region.