Acting on specific intelligence inputs, security forces launched "Operation Mahadev" in the Harwan area of Srinagar, near Dachigam National Park. The operation, which commenced on Monday, July 28, 2025, initially aimed to locate two to three terrorists believed to be trapped in the Mulnar area.

The Army's Chinar Corps confirmed the operation, posting on X, "OP MAHADEV – Contact established in General Area Lidwas. Operation in progress". Lidwas is a meadow in the Zabarwan forest range, approximately 12 kilometers by foot from Dara, located deep within the mountainous terrain.

As the security forces launched a search operation in Mulnar, two rounds of gunfire were heard. Reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the area, and the search operations were intensified to track down the terrorists. A joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation in the forest area of Mulnaar near Mahadev. As the forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists reportedly fired upon them, leading to a gunfight.

Sources indicate that three foreign militants were identified through intercepted communications in the Dachigam forest area a couple of days prior. The operation targeted these militants, who were believed to be involved in a recent attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

After a brief but intense exchange of fire, all three terrorists were neutralized. Security sources have confirmed that the slain militants are suspected to be members of The Resistance Front (TRF).

Mount Mahadev and the surrounding areas present significant challenges for security forces due to the dense forests and difficult access routes. The Dachigam forest's proximity to infiltration corridors has made it a site of previous anti-terror operations.