Three Terrorists Killed in Awantipora Encounter, Major Attack Averted
Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir – May 15, 2025 In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces eliminated three terrorists in the Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The encounter, which unfolded on Tuesday, marks the second major anti-terror operation in the region within 48 hours. Acting on credible intelligence, a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. During the operation, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce gunfight.
All three terrorists were neutralized in the ensuing exchange. Among the slain militants was Mukhtar Bhat, a local commander of the proscribed terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Bhat was reportedly involved in several terror-related crimes, including the killings of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Assistant Sub-Inspector and two Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel. Another terrorist killed in the encounter was identified as a foreign national affiliated with LeT. Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, including an AK-74 rifle, an AK-56 rifle, and a pistol. Preliminary reports suggest that the terrorists were planning a fidayeen (suicide) attack on a security forces camp, which was successfully thwarted due to timely intelligence and swift action by the forces. This operation comes in the wake of heightened security measures following the recent Pahalgam massacre on April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives in a brutal attack. The incident had escalated tensions in the region, leading to increased counter-insurgency operations. The successful neutralization of these terrorists is seen as a significant achievement for the security forces, aiming to restore peace and stability in the region. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilians. #AwantiporaEncounter #JammuAndKashmi #TerrorismFoiled #IndianArmy #SecurityForces #KashmirUpdate #CounterTerrorism #Pulwama #LeT #NationFirst