3 Lashkar terrorists killed in gunfight with security forces in J&K, AK-47s seized

At least three terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in the Zinpather Keller region of Shopian on Tuesday following an encounter with security forces.

Among the three, the two killed terrorists were recognized as Shahid Kuttay and Adnan Shafi, both from Shopian. Kuttay, who became a member of Lashkar in 2023, participated in a shooting event at the Danish resort on April 8 of the previous year, resulting in injuries to two German tourists and one driver. According to sources, he was also implicated in the murder of a BJP Sarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian, in May of the previous year.

Sources mentioned that Shafi, who became a member of the terror group in 2024, participated in the murder of a non-local worker in Wachi, Shopian. The identity of the other terrorist has not been verified yet. The Army initiated Operation Keller, named for the location of the encounter, following the reception of “specific intelligence” from the Rashtriya Rifles unit.

“During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorists,” the Army wrote on X, adding that the operation is still ongoing. Three AK-47 rifles with other arms and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists killed in Shopian.