The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has described the killing of senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Mohammad Asif, alias Musa and Asif Fauji, in Budgam as a major setback for the outfit’s network in Jammu and Kashmir.
Musa was killed during a joint operation by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces in Gurwatkalan area of Khansahib in Budgam district. The operation was launched after security agencies received intelligence inputs about his presence in the area.
According to the MHA, Musa had remained on the radar of security agencies for a considerable period. Intelligence gathered through both human and technical sources helped security forces track his movements and plan the operation.
An encounter broke out after security forces moved into the area where Musa was believed to be hiding. He was subsequently killed during the operation. Security personnel also recovered weapons and other material from the encounter site, officials said.
The Home Ministry said Musa was among four senior LeT commanders who had been active in Jammu and Kashmir since 2022. With his death, the ministry said, all four commanders identified in this group have now been killed in separate operations.
The other commanders were identified as Junaid Bhat, Suleman and Yasir. According to the MHA, Junaid Bhat was killed in December 2024, Suleman in July 2025 and Yasir in September 2026.
Security agencies have attributed several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir to the group. These include incidents reported from Halan, Kandi, Dera Ki Gali, Shahsitar, Shiv Khori, Gagangir, Bootapathri and Baisaran.
The latest operation was carried out in the forested and difficult terrain of central Kashmir, where security forces have continued searches and intelligence-based operations against militant groups.
The MHA said the operation reflects the coordination between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces in tracking militant commanders and their support networks.
Officials said the investigation and analysis of material recovered during the operation will continue. Security agencies are also examining the information gathered during the operation to establish further links and details about the activities of the slain commander and his associates.
