Security forces eliminate Lashkar terrorist and former Pak commando Suleiman Shah after two-week jungle operation near Mahadev Peak.
🔍 Mastermind of Pahalgam Attack Neutralized in High-Stakes Encounter
In a major counter-terror breakthrough, Indian security forces have successfully eliminated Suleiman Shah, the mastermind behind the Pahalgam civilian massacre, in a high-risk operation dubbed Operation Mahadev. The mission ended in the dense forests near Mahadev Peak, close to Srinagar, after 14 days of coordinated surveillance and pursuit.
⚔️ What Was Operation Mahadev?
- Codename Origin: The operation was named after Mahadev Peak, located in the Dachigam forests near Srinagar.
- Duration: 14 days of sustained physical and electronic surveillance.
- Trigger: Interception of encrypted communication over a Chinese ultra radio system, often used by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- Execution Zone: Dense jungle terrain near Mulnar, Harwan, suspected to be a hideout for high-value foreign terrorists.
- Result: Three terrorists, including Suleiman Shah, were neutralized.
🧠Who Was Suleiman Shah?
- Real Name: Hashim Musa
- Affiliation: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
- Background: Former Pakistani Special Service Group (SSG) commando
- Role: Mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians
- Entry into India: Infiltrated in September 2023
- Past Attacks:
- October 2024: Led an attack on a tunnel construction camp; 7 civilians killed.
- Baramulla Operation: Involved in encounter leading to the death of 4 Indian security personnel.
- Suspected in at least six major terror operations.
🛡️ Arms Recovered from Terrorist Hideout
Images released from the scene show a well-stocked hideout containing:
- Carbine and AK-47 rifles
- 17 rifle grenades
- Additional arms and ammunition
Officials suspect the group was planning a large-scale terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir before being intercepted.
📡 Tech Behind the Hunt
- The intelligence units picked up encrypted signals using Chinese WY SMS radios, similar to the tech LeT used in 2016.
- This breakthrough allowed forces to pinpoint terrorist movements, enabling a successful ambush near Mahadev Peak.
🔚 Mission Outcome & Strategic Importance
The elimination of Suleiman Shah marks a significant success for Indian security forces:
- Avenges the April 22 civilian killings in Pahalgam.
- Dismantles a key node in LeT’s operational structure in South Kashmir.
- Demonstrates India’s enhanced tech-driven counter-terror capabilities.
Also Read : Ex-Pak Army Commando-Turned-Terrorist Suleiman Shah Killed In Srinagar Encounter
