'You can run, but you can't hide': LeT terrorist killed in Shopian after five-day anti-terror op

Shopian: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed during a joint counter-terrorism operation by local police, the Indian Army, and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The operation involved the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Shopian, the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Police sources stated that the identity of the deceased is currently under verification, noting that a quantity of weapons and ammunition could be seen near the body from a distance.

In a statement published on the social media platform X, the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced, "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide! One Lashkar terrorist was neutralised by SOG Shopian in a joint operation, along with RR and CRPF."

According to police officials, the security forces responded after gunfire was heard during the deployment. Following the exchange of shots, the body was retrieved near the clash site in the Chanapora locality of Shopian. Further operational details have not yet been released.

A heavy security presence remains in the vicinity as clearing operations continue. The encounter is part of ongoing, heightened counter-insurgency measures by security forces across Jammu and Kashmir.

Separately, security forces recently executed 'Operation Sheruwali' in Rajouri district, conducting a widespread search through the heavily wooded areas of Dorimal within the Gambhir Mughlan sector of Manjakote.

That deployment was designed to track down active terrorists suspected of taking cover in the thick forest. Ground troops have maintained search and surveillance efforts in the area, utilising advanced tactical equipment.

'Operation Sheruwali', which commenced in late May, represents a large-scale combing mission across the dense forest tracts of the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan sector. The multi-agency operation aims to locate and neutralise armed infiltrators believed to be hiding within the region's rugged, mountainous terrain.

With inputs from ANI