Three terrorists killed in Kashmir's Shopian, LeT link suspected

Three terrorists hwere killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, police confirmed on Tuesday. The terrorists are suspected to be a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group. 

The confirmation of the identification of two out of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-affiliated terrorists has been made, sources told ANI.  

According to news agency ANI, three terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Shukroo forest area of Keller in South Kashmir’s Shopian district. 

The Indian Army released a statement on Tuesday, saying, “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 firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorists. Operation is in progressm,” the Army said.

A police officer said that a massive cordon and search operation was launched in the forests of Kellar after having specific input about the presence of some terrorists.

As the team of police and army started combing operation, the hiding terrorists fired upon the party, triggering off gunfight. 

According to the source, the terrorists were encountered around 8:00 am on Tuesday following specific intelligence related to terrorists hiding in the Shukroo forest area of Keller.

Who are the terrorists killed in J&K's Shopian?

According to sources, one of the terrorists was identified as Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay and a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian.

He was a Category A, LeT operative who was involved in the firing incident at the Danish Resort in Srinagar on April 8, 2024, in which two German tourists and one driver were injured. He joined the terror outfit on March 8, 2023.

Kuttay was involved in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024 and was suspect involved in the killing of Territorial Army Personnel at Behibagh in Kulgam on February 3, 2025.

The other identified terrorist was Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar, who was a resident of Wanduna Melhora in Shopian. He joined the terror outfit on October 18, 2024 and was a category C LeT operative. He was involved in the killing of non-local labourers at Wachi in Shopian on October 18, 2024.

However, the identity of the last terrorist is yet to be confirmed.