Top LeT terrorist wanted for several attacks in J&K killed in Budgam encounter

Hashim Moosa’s killing marks the latest development in counter-terror operations in Kashmir

September 30, 2026

Wanted LeT terrorist Moosa killed in Budgam gunfight

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist wanted in connection with several attacks across Jammu and Kashmir was killed in an encounter with security forces in the higher reaches of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday.

Security officials identified the slain terrorist as Mohammad Asif, alias Moosa (also referred to as Fauji Moosa).

The body of the LeT terrorist was recovered from the encounter site on Wednesday.

Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed that one terrorist was neutralised during the anti-terrorist operation in the general area of Korag, Yousmarg on Tuesday. In a post on X, Chinar Corps said on Wednesday, “During the search early in the morning in the general area of Palmaidan, the body of a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, was recovered along with 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.…
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) September 30, 2026

The joint operation, involving Rashtriya Rifles troops, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was launched in the general area of Korag near Yousmarg after specific intelligence inputs about the terrorist movement on Tuesday. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and challenged the suspects. The terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. One terrorist was killed.

The operation remained underway as forces searched the surrounding dense forest for any remaining terrorists. Hashim Moosa had been wanted for years for his alleged role in multiple attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range. He escaped an encounter in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month. His close associate Yasir, a Pakistani LeT operative, was killed in that operation on September 5. Officials described Moosa’s killing as a major setback to LeT operations in the region. He was active in the area for a long time and was behind targeted killings of security personnel in the region.

In April 2025, investigative agencies released photographs of four terrorists allegedly linked to the Pahalgam attack. Among those named were suspects identified by aliases including ‘Moosa’ and ‘Yunus’. Officials had alleged that Moosa was involved in directing LeT operations in Kashmir and in planning and executing attacks in the Valley.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.