Srinagar, September 30 (TNA) Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Musa, a former commando of the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG), was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Wednesday.
The operation was launched in the higher reaches of Yousmarg following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF jointly conducted the search operation.
Body Recovered During Search
According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, Musa’s body was recovered during a search operation in the Palmaidan area along with war-like stores. Security forces had intensified searches after terrorists opened fire when challenged, triggering an exchange of fire in which the LeT commander was killed.
Musa was reportedly a retired Pakistan Army SSG personnel who joined the LeT after leaving military service. Security sources said he had infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir and was appointed as a senior commander of the Pakistan-based terror outfit.
Wanted in Pahalgam Attack Case
Musa was among the key suspects wanted in connection with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed, according to security agencies. A reward of ₹20 lakh had reportedly been announced for information leading to his capture.
The operation was carried out under Operation Korag in the Yousmarg area. Security forces are continuing searches in the region to rule out the presence of other militants and recover additional weapons or war-like material.