Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Killed in Budgam Encounter

On September 29, 2026, a joint search operation—codenamed Operation Korag—by the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF took place in the Korag area of Yousmarg, Budgam district. Troops observed suspicious activity, were fired upon, and a fierce exchange resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist. The body was recovered and the search continued in surrounding forested terrain.

The Indian ExpressLashkar Terrorist Gunned Down During Encounter With Security Forces In J&K Top LeT terrorist wanted for several attacks in J&K killed in Budgam encounter

The encounter follows a prior engagement on September 5, 2026, when security forces killed Yasir, a close associate of the commander, while the commander escaped. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based militant group banned in India, has maintained a presence in the Pir Panjal region. The operation is part of an intensified effort to dismantle LeT networks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Top LeT terrorist wanted for several attacks in J&K killed in Budgam encounter

• Fauzi Musa / Sulaiman Shah alias Musa – senior LeT commander wanted for multiple attacks across the Pir Panjal range.

CNN-News18

• Yasir – associate killed on September 5, 2026.

CNN-News18

• Chinar Corps – Kashmir-based formation of the Indian Army that publicised the operation.

The Indian Express

• Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF Srinagar – agencies that participated.

The Indian Express

• September 5, 2026 – Yasir killed in Yousmarg hills; Musa escaped.

CNN-News18

• September 29, 2026 – Joint search operation launched; one terrorist neutralised in the Dudhpathri forest area of Budgam.

First Post

• One terrorist neutralised.

WION

• Operation involved three security agencies.

WION

• No immediate confirmation of weapons or material recovered.

Budgam encounter: Army kills LeT terrorist after fierce gunfight in Yousmarg

The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X that the operation was based on “specific intelligence input” and described the sequence leading to the encounter. While the Corps did not disclose the militant’s name, officials later identified the slain individual as Sulaiman Shah, alias Musa and called the killing a “major setback” for LeT’s operations in the region.

CNN-News18

• Identity discrepancy: Some outlets name the militant as Fauzi Musa, others as Sulaiman Shah alias Musa; the Army’s communication omitted a name.

CNN-News18

• Location description: Reports refer to the “Korag area of Yousmarg” and the “Dudhpathri forest area” within Budgam, creating minor variation.

Lashkar Terrorist Gunned Down During Encounter With Security Forces In J&K

• Material recovery: Sources differ on whether weapons or other material were seized; the information remains unconfirmed.

Budgam encounter: Army kills LeT terrorist after fierce gunfight in Yousmarg

• “Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice and @crpf_srinagar in general area Korag, Yousmarg. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which One terrorist neutralised. Operation is in progress,” — Chinar Corps

The Indian Express

Security forces have deployed additional personnel to the remote forest zones to prevent further militants from escaping. The operation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that further updates will be provided as the search progresses.

WION