In a significant counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, Indian security forces neutralized three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in the Shukroo forest area of Keller on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The operation occurred after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the region, prompting a massive cordon-and-search operation in the forests of Kellar.

Based on initial reports, two of the slain terrorists have been identified. Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian, was a Category A LeT operative. He had been involved with the terror outfit since March 8, 2023. Kuttay's activities included a firing incident at the Danish Resort in Srinagar on April 8, 2024, where two German tourists and a driver were injured. He was also implicated in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024, and was a suspect in the killing of a Territorial Army personnel at Behibagh in Kulgam on February 3, 2025. The second identified terrorist was Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar, a resident of Wanduna Melhora in Shopian. Dar, a Category C LeT operative, joined the terror group on October 18, 2024. He was involved in the killing of non-local laborers at Wachi in Shopian on the same day he joined, October 18, 2024. The identity of the third terrorist is yet to be confirmed.

The encounter began around 8:00 am following specific intelligence inputs about terrorists hiding in the Shukroo forest area. A joint team of police and army launched a search operation, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. The terrorists initiated the firing, but were ultimately neutralized on the spot by the security forces. No casualties were reported among the security forces during the operation.

This operation comes in the wake of heightened security measures and efforts to combat terrorism in the region. Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities, posters offering a reward of ₹20 lakh for information on terrorists involved in the attack have been circulated in parts of Southern Kashmir. The April 22 attack has been attributed to three militants: Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa.

The successful operation in Shopian is viewed as a significant win for Indian security forces in their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.