J&K: LeT terrorist Ayub Lelhari killed in encounter with forces
What's the story
In a major victory for the security forces in the fight against terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and most-wanted terrorist, Ayub Lelhari, was killed in Pulwama in a gun battle in the evening. The forces gunned down Lelhari only a few minutes into the encounter. They were acting on a tip-off about terrorists' presence in the region. Know more!
Quote
A senior police official's statement
The official stated: "A joint Cordon And Search Operations (CASO) was launched by 47 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army and Special Operations Group of state police. As the cordon was being laid, the hiding terrorists fired upon the soldiers." A cop sustained minor bullet injuries.
Twitter Post
A great success for the security forces
He (Ayub Lelhari) was one of the most wanted terrorists. It's a great success for the forces: SP Vaid, DGP J&K pic.twitter.com/NMocQoEl5b
— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2017
Huge Blow
Yet another setback for LeT in the valley
Lelhari's killing is a huge setback for the terror outfit in Kashmir. On 1 August, the slain terrorist was trapped along with an alleged Pakistani terrorist by security forces in Pulwama. He, however, escaped with the help of a local stone-pelting mob. It's a second big blow for LeT, which lost another commander, Abu Dujana, only a few days ago in an encounter.
The Encounter
It was a brief encounter: Local residents
The police said Lelhari was tracked in a vehicle after they received inputs the terrorist was moving around Pulwama's Banderpora village in a Tavera. Locals said the car was intercepted and fired upon; Lelhari was killed in a "very brief encounter". They added the slain terrorist's body was taken away by the army personnel. An AK-47 was recovered from the site.