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Security forces launched a counter-terror operation in J&K’s Shopian district, trapping two LeT terrorists, Latif and Zakir, in an orchard. A gunfight ensued.
Shopian Encounter: Image used for representation
Security forces have launched a major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district after two local terrorists linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were trapped inside a dense orchard, officials said on Saturday.
The operation began on Friday afternoon after an Army surveillance camera detected the movement of the two terrorists in the Meemandar area, which comprises seven villages.
Acting swiftly on the input, the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a joint operation and threw a tight security cordon around the area.
By Friday evening, security forces had cleared four villages and further tightened the cordon to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Gunfight Breaks Out
The trapped terrorists have been identified as Latif and Zakir. Officials said the duo opened fire as Army personnel moved closer to their hideout, triggering an exchange of fire. The troops responded effectively, and the gunfight continued.
To strengthen the operation, the Army’s specialised counter-insurgency formation, Victor Force, deployed additional personnel around the orchard. Security forces also illuminated the area and sealed all possible escape routes through the thick vegetation.
Dense Foliage Makes Search Challenging
Officials said the dense summer foliage has made the operation more challenging, as it provides natural cover and creates blind spots that terrorists can use to evade surveillance and break through security cordons.
According to security records, both Latif and Zakir are residents of Kulgam district in south Kashmir. Zakir is believed to have joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2024, while Latif became part of the outfit last year.
Focus On Breaking Local Terror Networks
Officials said Shopian has long served as a key transit route linking south Kashmir with central Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region.
While foreign terrorists are increasingly being deployed to carry out attacks, officials said neutralising local operatives such as Latif and Zakir is equally important, as they play a crucial role in maintaining logistics networks and facilitating local recruitment.
The operation was still underway at the time of filing this report, with security forces repeatedly appealing to the two terrorists to surrender.
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Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
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