Lashkar Commander Yasir Killed in Budgam Encounter

Security forces have intensified operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir, with a fresh encounter reported from the Budgam district in central Kashmir.

The gunfight took place in the Yusmarg forest area after security agencies received specific intelligence about the presence of militants. Special Forces and personnel from the 53 Rashtriya Rifles launched a joint cordon and search operation in the area.

The operation turned into an encounter when the militants noticed the movement of the security personnel and opened fire. The troops responded, leading to a firefight in which Lashkar e Taiba commander Yasir was killed, officials said.

Security sources said Yasir was originally from Pakistan and had earlier been associated with the Suleiman Musa group of Lashkar e Taiba. He reportedly separated from the group around a year ago and began operating independently.

According to officials, security agencies had been tracking Yasir’s movements in and around Yusmarg for some time. His presence in the area reportedly became a key focus of the intelligence operation that eventually led to the encounter.

Following his death, investigators are looking into his network and links with other Lashkar members. Authorities are also examining whether he had any role in recent militant activities or attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The operation comes as security forces continue efforts to identify and eliminate militant networks operating in the region. Officials described the killing of Yasir as an important development in the ongoing counterterrorism operations.

The security establishment has also been keeping a close watch on remnants of militant groups following earlier operations against their senior commanders. Suleiman Musa, who was identified by authorities as a key figure linked to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, had previously been killed by security forces.

The latest encounter is expected to lead to further searches in the surrounding forest areas as agencies work to determine whether other militants or associates were present in the region.

Security forces are continuing their operations in Jammu and Kashmir based on intelligence inputs, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance across areas considered vulnerable to militant movement.