Pahalgam Terror Attack Mastermind Sulieman Killed in Srinagar Encounter During Operation Mahadev
Pahalgam attack mastermind Sulieman and two terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter during joint Operation Mahadev by Army and J&K Police.
Security forces during Operation Mahadev in Srinagar where Pahalgam attack mastermind Sulieman was killed in an intense gunfight.
Sulieman alias Asif, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, was gunned down by security forces during a high-intensity encounter in Srinagar on Monday. The joint anti-terror operation, codenamed Operation Mahadev, was carried out by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Lidwas area near Dachigam National Park.
Operation Mahadev: Key Details
According to top security sources, the operation commenced around 11 AM following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of foreign terrorists in the region. The intense gunfight took place between the Zabarwan and Mahadev ridges — the area that gave the operation its name.
Three terrorists were neutralised in the operation:
- Sulieman alias Asif – accused mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
- Jibran – allegedly linked to the Sonamarg Tunnel attack last year.
- Hamza Afghani – another foreign terrorist operative.
Security Forces’ Swift Action
The Chinar Corps confirmed the successful operation on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
- “OP MAHADEV – Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress.”
- Additional reinforcements, drones, and surveillance units were deployed to back the ground forces during the encounter.
Intelligence and Background
Security agencies had been tracking the movements of the Pahalgam attackers for weeks, believing they had shifted base towards Dachigam, approximately 20 km from central Srinagar. Acting on these leads, forces launched an early morning search in the Mulnar area of Harwan, during which gunshots confirmed militant presence.
Official Confirmation
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the elimination of the three foreign terrorists, stating:
“It is true that three Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated. I congratulate the army, police, and everyone involved in this successful operation.”
Background: Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians in one of the most brutal attacks in recent years. Monday's operation marks a significant breakthrough in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Security forces continue to maintain a high alert in the region, with further counter-terror efforts likely in the coming days.
