Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir – In a swift and coordinated operation, security forces in Shopian successfully arrested two “hybrid” terrorists affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on Thursday. The arrests, made during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Baskuchan area, averted a potential encounter and thwarted a possible attack or targeted killing.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Special Operations Group (SOG) Shopian, in collaboration with the 44th Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the 178th Battalion CRPF, launched the CASO. During the operation, the movement of terrorists was detected in a nearby orchard. The joint teams moved in swiftly, leading to the surrender and arrest of the two individuals, identified as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam.
Officials confirmed the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. This included two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, 102 rounds of 7.62x39mm, two hand grenades, two pouches, and ₹5400 in cash. A mobile phone, a smartwatch, two biscuit packets, and an Aadhaar card were also seized.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections, and further investigation is currently underway.
