Srinagar: In a major counterterrorism operation, security forces neutralized at least three terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit during a fierce gunfight in the Zinpather Keller region of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday.
According to official sources, one of the slain militants has been identified as Shahid, a local operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The identities of the other two are being ascertained.
OPERATION KELLER
On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a #RashtriyasRifles Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, #Shopian, #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy Operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce… pic.twitter.com/KZwIkEGiLF
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 13, 2025
The encounter began following a tip-off about militant movement in the area. Initially, the operation started in neighboring Kulgam but shifted to Shopian’s dense forest zone as the militants fled. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces launched a joint cordon-and-search operation that has been underway for over two hours.
Preliminary intelligence had indicated the presence of at least four terrorists in the region. While three have been confirmed killed, the operation is still ongoing as security personnel continue combing the area for any remaining threats.
This encounter comes just hours after posters appeared across Pulwama district offering a Rs 20 lakh reward for credible information about the perpetrators behind the recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists.
Security has been heightened across South Kashmir, with forces on maximum alert as counterterrorism efforts intensify in the region.
