Top Lashkar commanders killed, security forces now target foreign terrorists in J&K

After Musa alias Asif Fauji was killed in Budgam, security forces turned to the remaining foreign terrorist modules in Jammu and Kashmir. The next phase centres on dismantling OGW networks that provide shelter, movement and logistics.After eliminating top Lashkar commanders, security forces turn focus to 35-40 foreign terrorists in J&K (Photo: ITG)New Delhi,Oct 1, 2026 16:03 ISTThe killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Musa alias Asif Fauji has prompted security agencies to sharpen their focus on the remaining foreign terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir, with their local support networks also coming under the scanner.According to security sources, around 35 to 40 foreign terrorists are currently active in Jammu and Kashmir, most of them believed to be Pakistani nationals. Jaish-e-Mohammed cadres are also among those being tracked.The number of foreign terrorists has fallen significantly since 2019, when their strength was estimated at 300-400 or more. Security agencies also claim that the number of local terrorists has now dropped to almost zero.The strategy has consequently shifted from dismantling large terror structures to tracking small foreign terrorist modules and cutting off the local networks that help them operate. FOCUS SHIFTS TO FOREIGN TERRORIST MODULESForeign terrorists infiltrating Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan are commonly categorised by security agencies as Foreign Terrorists, or FTs. Sources said these small modules are now among the primary targets of counter-terror operations.Musa had been on the security agencies' radar for a long time. Following technical and human intelligence inputs, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces coordinated an operation in Gurwat Kalan in the Khansahib area of Budgam, where he was killed. Musa's death followed the elimination of three other senior Lashkar commanders who had been active in Jammu and Kashmir since 2022. Junaid Bhat was killed in Dachigam on December 3, 2024, Suleman during Operation Mahadev on July 28, 2025, and Yasir during Operation Asdhar on September 4, 2026.4 COMMANDERS LINKED TO MAJOR ATTACKSAccording to security agencies, the four commanders were linked to several major terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Halan attack in August 2023, DKG attack in December 2023, Kandi attack in May 2023, Shahsitar attack in May 2024, Shiv Khori attack in June 2024, Gagangir and Bootapathri attacks in October 2024, and Baisaran attack in April 2025.Their successive elimination has weakened the Lashkar leadership structure that security agencies say was handling the operational network of foreign terrorists in the region.The focus is now on foreign terrorists believed to be hiding in difficult terrain across the Valley.35-40 FOREIGN TERRORISTS ON RADARSecurity agencies have separate intelligence inputs on foreign terrorists who may be hiding in forests and mountainous areas. Apart from Lashkar-e-Taiba, the suspected cadres include terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and other Pakistan-based organisations.Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Uri, Anantnag, Shopian, Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and several remote areas of south Kashmir remain under surveillance for possible terrorist presence.In several cases, terrorists have used difficult terrain to evade security cordons and move between locations. Dense forests, mountainous routes and local support networks can make tracking them more difficult.This has prompted agencies to expand their focus beyond locating terrorists to disrupting the support systems that enable them to remain operational.OGW NETWORK ALSO UNDER SCANNERThe Over Ground Worker network remains a key challenge for security agencies. According to inputs, local handlers can help foreign terrorists with shelter, movement, food and other logistical support.Agencies are now working to identify and dismantle such networks, as cutting off local assistance can make it harder for foreign terrorists to remain hidden or sustain operations.The changing nature of counter-terror operations was also reflected in the 2024 figures. According to security agencies, 68 terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir that year, including 42 foreign terrorists. Some were killed while attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control, while others were eliminated in operations inside the Valley.POST-2019 STRATEGY TARGETS SUPPORT NETWORKSAfter 2019, counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir were strengthened through greater coordination and intelligence sharing between the Army, J&K Police and Central Armed Police Forces.Alongside direct operations, agencies have targeted terror financing, weapons supply, communication networks and local facilitators.Security agencies attribute the decline in the number of foreign and local terrorists to these sustained measures. However, they continue to monitor attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups to infiltrate and establish new modules.Musa's killing was part of Operation Sheruwali, which security agencies said has been underway since May 2026 to target foreign terrorists and their networks in Jammu and Kashmir.With around 35-40 foreign terrorists still believed to be active, the next phase of operations is expected to focus on these small modules, their local facilitators and the networks supporting them.- Ends