Pulwama Attack Mastermind Eliminated, Two Other Jaish Terrorists Gunned Down By Security Forces In Tral Encounter

In an operation in the Tral area of Pulwama district, security forces are believed to have eliminated Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Mudasir Ahmed Khan, aka ‘Mohd Bhai’, who masterminded the Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, reports TOI.

Two other terrorists along with Khan were also killed in the encounter, which had begun after the terrorists opened fire on security personnel who were conducting a cordon and search operation in the Pinglish area of Tral. The security forces had received intelligence inputs suggesting that terrorists were present there.

The bodies of all dead terrorists are charred beyond recognition and attempts are ongoing to identify them.

23-year-old Khan, who security officials had only recently zeroed in on as the Pulwama attack mastermind, held a graduate degree and had a diploma as an electrician. He is believed to have arranged for the vehicle and explosives used in the Pulwama suicide bombing.

Hailing from Mir Mohalla of Tral in Pulwama district, Khan joined the JeM in 2017, first as an overground worker, then proceeding to become an active terrorist of the banned outfit. Noor Mohammed Tantrey, alias 'Noor Trali’, the man who is seen responsible for leading the revival of JeM in the valley, is believed to have recruited Khan.

The Pulwama suicide bombing was the only major terror attack in which Khan had a role to play; he is also suspected of the involvement in the Sunjawan and Lethpora attacks, in which six army and five CRPF personnel were martyred respectively.