Two LeT 'Hybrid' Terrorists Nabbed During Security Operation In J&K's Shopian

In a significant breakthrough, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir arrested two hybrid terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Shopian district, the Indian Express reported.

The operation was launched on Wednesday night (28 May) in the Baskuchan area of Poonch, following specific intelligence inputs.

“Hybrid terrorists” are those who are not listed as terrorists but are
radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into
routine life.

Security personnel noticed movement in a nearby orchard during the cordon and search operation. This led to a quick response, resulting in the surrender of the two individuals and averting a potentially deadly encounter.

"The area was thoroughly sealed off, and suspicious movement was detected in a nearby orchard. Acting swiftly and strategically, the security forces facilitated the surrender of two LeT terrorists, thereby preventing a possible armed confrontation," the officials said, as quoted by the Indian Express.

Authorities identified the surrendered terrorists as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam. 

Items recovered from their possession included two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, 102 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades, two pouches, Rs 5400 in cash, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, and an Aadhaar card.

Officials said a case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

These developments come amid heightened alertness along the border, after Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

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