Wani Majid
After Yasir’s death, the security agencies are now probing his networks, his links with other Lashkar operatives and whether he was involved in planning or facilitating any recent terror activities in the region.
A Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, identified as Yasir, was killed in an encounter with joint security forces in the upper reaches of Yousmarg in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Saturday, sources said.
The gunfight broke out after joint forces launched an intelligence-based search operation in the area following inputs about the presence of terrorists. The action was carried out jointly by the Special Forces and Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles, who had an exchange of fire with the terrorists.
According to sources, Yasir was part of the larger Sulaiman Musa group of Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, he had split from the group nearly a year ago and had since been operating separately. Security agencies had been tracking his movements and were monitoring his activities in the Yousmarg area for a brief period.
Sources further revealed that Yasir had emerged as a key Lashkar operative in the area following his separation from the group. His presence in the higher reaches of Yousmarg had led security forces to launch the search operation, which eventually resulted in the encounter.
Security agencies are also investigating whether Yasir had any role in planning, facilitating or supporting recent terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
