Hashim Moosa Killed in Budgam: Pahalgam Attack Suspect Neutralised by Security Forces During Operation Korag

Security forces have successfully eliminated a high-ranking Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, during an intense encounter in the upper reaches of the Yousmarg area in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. The operation called OP Korag, which culminated in the recovery of the terrorist's body along with a cache of war-like stores, marks a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough in central Kashmir.

Notably, Hashim Moosa was named as one of the key suspects involved in the Pahalgam attack of 2025, which killed 26 tourists. Jammu and Kashmir Police had announced a reward of INR 20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Pakistan nationals and LeT terrorists Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa in the wake of the terror attack.

Pahalgam Attack Mastermind Hashim Moosa Gunned Down by Security Forces in Budgam

Joint Operation in Budgam Forests

The gunfight erupted following a well-coordinated intelligence-based search operation launched by the Indian Army's Chinar Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF in the general area of Palmaidan and Korag in Yousmarg. Kathua: 4 CISF Personnel Killed After Colleague Opens Fire at Camp in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lashkar Terrorist Hashim Moosa Killed by Security Forces in Budgam

According to security officials, vigilant troops spotted suspicious movement in the remote terrain. When challenged, the holed-up terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in Moosa being neutralised. Confirming the outcome, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps stated: “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.”

Background and Significance

Security forces had been tracking Moosa extensively following intelligence reports linking him to high-profile attacks across the Pir Panjal range. He had previously managed to slip away during a security sweep earlier in the month in the Yousmarg hills - an engagement that led to the killing of his close associate, Yasir. India Rejects Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ‘Unwarranted References’ on Jammu and Kashmir.

Intelligence dossiers identify Moosa as a high-value operative whose elimination delivers a heavy blow to the operational network of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in the region. Sanitisation operations and follow-up sweeps remain underway in the higher reaches of Budgam to secure the area.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 10:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).