LeT commander Hashim Musa killed in Budgam encounter

In the dim light of Budgam's forests, a single gunshot cut through the evening air as a LeT commander lay dead, the moment captured by security forces in Korag near Yousmarg¹⁵. The joint operation by the Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF began after intelligence led them to the Korag area, and security teams then pressed into Palmaidan as dawn broke, recovering the body and war-like stores^9,5.

This is tied to the wider hunt for LeT operatives linked to the Pahalgam attack, with Moosa identified as a key figure who had reportedly fled a prior Budgam encounter earlier this month^11,12.

The incident matters because it signals ongoing efforts to dismantle LeT networks in the Pir Panjal region and keeps up pressure on militant groups thought to plan attacks across both sides of the valley, including the Pahalgam assault that killed 26 people^11,15.

With the operation still unfolding, authorities warn more militants could be hidden in the dense forests around Yousmarg and Palmaidan, and combing and searches continue to determine if any others remain^1,13.