Low On Supplies & Water, Fear Of Exposure: How Pahalgam Terrorists Were Traced, Tracked, Killed

News18

29-07-2025

Last Updated:
Intelligence inputs revealed that the terrorists were receiving logistical support—including food and supplies—from local sympathisers who have since been intercepted
After the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, since May, multiple units of the Indian Army, Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police have been deployed to high-altitude areas ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 feet. There were several instances where groups of terrorists were detected through intercepted communication sets. However, these sets often went silent before security forces could act on them effectively.
To intensify the operation, Tactical Operating Bases (TOBs) were established across various strategic locations. Senior-level officers were stationed at these bases to coordinate and oversee the efforts until the region was cleared of terrorists hiding in the upper reaches of J&K.
According to sources, specialised teams were formed, combining manual efforts with advanced technical surveillance systems to trace, track, and intercept terrorist movements. A senior intelligence officer was appointed to lead the input coordination, as confirmed by top sources in the intelligence community.
Intelligence inputs revealed that the terrorists were receiving logistical support—including food and supplies—from local sympathisers who have since been intercepted. Security forces also identified and restricted access to water sources being used by the terrorists.
One particular area around Dachigam was cordoned off by security forces, who began collecting more detailed intelligence regarding the terrorists' weapons, food supplies, and movement patterns. It was noticed that the terrorists were low on supplies, afraid of moving out, and under pressure to expose themselves. Several of their communication sets were successfully intercepted during this period.
Roughly a week ago, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) received a critical tip-off from its cultivated assets indicating that a group of terrorists was hiding in the Dachigam area. Their identities were confirmed through both technical and human intelligence inputs. Based on intercepted communications, the search zone was narrowed down to a 1-kilometre radius.
Ultimately, a surgical operation led by Para Special Forces neutralised three top terrorists: Suleman, alias Faizal Bhatt, Jibran, and Afghan. Suleman was a senior operative affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). All three were classified as A-grade terrorists.
'In joint Operation Mahadev, the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police have neutralised three terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack," union home minister Amit Shah said in Parliament on Tuesday. 'We have their voter ID numbers. The rifles and cartridges used were made in Pakistan."
Providing more details, he said, 'All three terrorists—Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran—were killed in yesterday's operation. The people who used to supply food to them were detained earlier. Once the bodies of these terrorists were brought to Srinagar, they were identified by those who were kept detained by our agencies."
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.