Operation Mahadev: 3 Foreign Terrorists Gunned Down in Intense Forest Encounter on Srinagar’s Outskirts

In a significant counter-terror success, three high-value foreign terrorists were neutralised by security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, during a fierce encounter in the Dachigam forest region near Lidwas, sources confirmed on Monday afternoon.

The joint operation, codenamed Operation Mahadev, was launched early Monday by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on precise intelligence inputs about terrorist movement in the Mulnar-Harwan region.

According to defence officials, the encounter began around 11:00 AM when security forces intercepted terrorist movement in the upper forest areas. The intense firefight that followed resulted in the elimination of all three terrorists, believed to be foreign nationals with involvement in major attacks on Indian soil.

Mission Details: Tight Cordons, Drones & Tactical Assault

• The encounter began around 11:00 AM, when Indian forces intercepted suspicious movement in the rugged upper slopes of Dachigam forest. Drone surveillance and precise intelligence support helped corner the terrorists swiftly.

• Reinforcements were immediately deployed, sealing off escape routes and intensifying the operation. After a brief, intense exchange of gunfire, all three terrorists were neutralised.

• Bodies have been recovered, and forensic teams are now identifying the militants and examining weapons and digital devices recovered at the site.

High-Alert Operation with Aerial Surveillance Support

Security forces had deployed drones and launched a well-coordinated surveillance operation across the dense Dachigam forest belt. Multiple units were mobilised swiftly as reinforcements, ensuring the terrorists could not escape the cordoned area.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army, through its official X account, had earlier confirmed the initiation of Operation Mahadev, describing the targets as “high-value foreign terrorists.” The bodies of the slain militants have since been recovered from the encounter site and are being transported for identification and further forensic examination.

Operation Mahadev and Political Context: Rajnath Singh to Address Lok Sabha

This critical operation comes on a day when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to open discussions in the Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor—India’s planned military response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 22.

The discussion will be backed by key BJP leaders including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Baijayant Panda, Tejaswi Surya, Sanjay Jaiswal, Anurag Thakur, and Kamaljeet Sehrawat.

The Opposition, led by Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, has also pushed for a detailed debate, raising questions on the government’s strategic response to repeated terror incidents. Key Congress figures including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Praneet Shinde, Saptagiri Ulaka, and Bijendra Ola are expected to speak during the session.

Terror Link to Past Attacks Suspected

While official confirmation is awaited, sources say the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev may have had links to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed multiple lives. Intelligence agencies are currently examining digital evidence, communication logs, and recovered arms to confirm any direct involvement.

The operation is being hailed as a timely success in India’s intensified efforts to clamp down on cross-border terrorism and foreign infiltrations.

📍 NewsBreak24 will continue to bring verified updates as the situation evolves.