Stray Dogs Pacified with Biscuit Diplomacy as Security Forces Eliminate LeT Commander Usman in Ops

Srinagar, India – In a meticulously planned anti-terror operation, security forces eliminated top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Usman, also known as Chhota Waleed, in an intense encounter in Srinagar's Khanyar area. Usman, senior-most Pakistani LeT commander operating in Jammu and Kashmir, was neutralized by a joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu & Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), marking a substantial blow to LeT’s operations in Valley.

During encounter, two CRPF jawans and two Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP) personnel sustained injuries; y are currently reported to be in stable condition. security forces h identified Usman as a high-profile target, given his involvement in planning and executing numerous terror attacks and his close association with TRF commander Saj Gul, a prominent figure in Pakistan .  

An Operation with a Unique Approach  

Planning for operation involved a thorough nine-hour briefing phase aimed at minimizing collateral damage in densely populated Khanyar neighbourhood. Intelligence inputs h located Usman within a cluster of about 30 residential buildings. area posed unique challenges, particularly with stray dogs whose barking could alert Usman to movement of security personnel. To counter this, security forces used biscuits to pacify dogs, enabling a silent approach to target location before early morning Fajr prayers.

operation unfolded as security forces cordoned off area. situation escalated when Usman opened fire with an AK-47, also utilizing a pistol and several grenes, leing to a protracted exchange of gunfire. At one point, grenes detonated, igniting a fire within structure Usman occupied. Despite flames, security personnel contained fire, preventing it from spreing to nearby homes.  

After several hours of intense engagement, Usman was neutralized. Officials hailed mission’s success, emphasizing its importance in degring LeT’s operational capabilities in region.  

Usman, a Pakistani national, was a seasoned LeT operative who h operated in Kashmir Valley since infiltrating region around 2016-17 following his training and stay in Pakistan. Known for his deep knowledge of Kashmir's topography, he orchestrated multiple high-profile attacks, including last year’s assassination of Police Inspector Masroor Wani. His elimination represents a strategic victory for Indian security forces, who noted that his death weakens LeT's structure and disrupts its planning capabilities in Valley.  

Concurrent Operation in Anantnag: Joint Forces Strike Anor Blow  

In a separate anti-terror operation, security forces neutralized two terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) in challenging terrain of Halkan Gali, Anantnag. operation, known as Operation Halkan Gali, was led by Indian Army's 19 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), along with 1 Para SF, 7 Para SF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police.

Brigier Anirudh Chauhan, Commander of 2 Sector RR, underscored significance of this mission, noting that it delivered a major setback to terror networks in area. He confirmed recovery of heavy ammunition and explosives from terrorists, who h been involved in an attack on an Indian Army camp in Kulgam in October 2023 and were responsible for numerous civilian casualties, including non-local workers.

DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Ahm Matoo furr elaborated on operation, highlighting that actionable intelligence on terrorist movements h led to raid. operation, which began in early morning hours, successfully neutralized both terrorists with no collateral damage.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi lauded collaboration between Army and J&K Police in Anantnag operation, calling it a "significant achievement" in counter-terrorism efforts.  

Impact and Broer Implications  

coordinated anti-terror operations in Srinagar and Anantnag underscore determination and efficiency of Indian security forces in dismantling terror networks in Jammu & Kashmir. elimination of Usman and neutralization of Anantnag terrorists mark a decisive step in India's fight against terrorism. Officials noted that se missions would likely hinder strategic capabilities of both LeT and PAFF, as well as dampen morale of ir operatives.  

removal of high-profile targets like Usman sends a strong message to terror groups operating in region while strengning public confidence in capabilities of Indian security forces to handle complex, high-stakes situations effectively.