Hashim Moosa Killed in Budgam Encounter: LeT Terrorist Was Among Pahalgam Attack Suspects

Budgam: Security forces have killed Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. His body was recovered on Wednesday morning during a search operation in the Yousmarg area, along with weapons and other war-like stores, according to security forces.

The security forces said the Army and other security agencies launched Operation Korag on Wednesday on the basis of specific intelligence about the Yousmarg area. A joint search operation was then carried out.

Terrorists opened fire during search, say security forces

During the search, security forces noticed some suspicious activity in the area. According to the forces, the personnel asked the suspects to stop, after which the terrorists opened fire on them. An encounter followed, in which Moosa was killed. His body was recovered from the Palmedan area during the search on Wednesday morning.

The Chinar Corps, based in Srinagar, also confirmed Moosa's killing. Weapons and war-like stores were recovered along with his body, security forces said. The search operation in the area is still under way.

Named among main suspects in Pahalgam attack

Moosa's name had emerged during the investigation into the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, and he was listed among the main suspects. Twenty-six tourists were killed in the attack. Following the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information on Pakistani nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai and Hashim Moosa.

Earlier a Pakistan Army SSG para-commando, say sources

According to sources in security agencies, Moosa was earlier a para-commando with the Pakistan Army's Special Services Group (SSG) and later joined the LeT.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the Pahalgam attack, has filed a chargesheet against seven accused. In the 1,597-page chargesheet, the agency referred to Pakistan's role in the conspiracy, and to the roles of the banned LeT and its outfit The Resistance Front (TRF). Sajid Jatt, a Pakistan-based terrorist and handler, was also named among the accused.