NEW DELHI: A key suspect in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack was killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district, with security forces recovering the body of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa during a search operation in the general area of Palmaidan on Wednesday. The recovery was made along with war-like stores, the security forces said.Moosa, who was among the key suspects in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was found along with war-like stores, as cited by ANI.The Army and other security agencies on Wednesday launched Operation KORAG in the Yousmarg area based on specific intelligence inputs. A joint search operation was initiated after vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, when challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in which Hashim Moosa was neutralised.According to an update issued by the security forces, the operation remained underway, with personnel continuing search operations in the area.The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed his death, saying, “During the search early morning in General Area Palmaidan, body of Pak based Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa recovered along with war like stores.”Hashim Moosa was among the key suspects named in connection with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists. Following the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa. Security agency sources said Moosa had previously served as a para-commando in Pakistan’s Special Service Group.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier chargesheeted seven accused in the Pahalgam terror attack case, including Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its alias, The Resistance Front (TRF), both proscribed terrorist organisations. In its 1,597-page chargesheet, the NIA detailed Pakistan’s alleged role in the conspiracy and accused the banned LeT/TRF of planning, facilitating and executing the attack. Pakistani handler and terrorist Sajid Jatt was also named as an accused.The recovery of Moosa’s body and war-like stores is part of the ongoing operation, with security forces continuing searches in the surrounding area for any additional terrorist presence and recoveries.
