Srinagar: A top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) district commander was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.
Confirming the killing, Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid said LeT district commander Ayub Lelhri was killed in the encounter with security forces in Pulwama this evening.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Muneer Khan told UNI that following specific about movement of militants, a joint ambush was laid by Special Operations Group (SOG) of police and Army in Banderpora village in Pulwama.
He said the LeT commander was intercepted near an apple orchid and asked to surrender.
However, the militant fired at security force, he said.
The IGP said security forces retaliated ensuing in a brief exchange of fire in which Lelhri was killed.
“It is yet another success for the security forces. Such operations will continue in the future,” he added. Meanwhile according to police press release, LeT District Commander was killed in a brief gunfight with Police and security forces at Banderpora area of Koil village in Pulwama district.
Acting on a specific information regarding the movement of LeT District Commander Mohammad Ayoub Lone alias Habtullah/Ayoub Lelhari, Pulwama Police along with 55 RR, 182 & 183 Bn CRPF laid joint Nakas (check posts) and ambush were places at Banderpora, Drubgam and Chandgam areas. A vehicle in which the LeT commander was travelling was intercepted at Banderpora area of Koil village in the jurisdiction of Police Station Pulwama. The terrorist tried to flee and fired upon the joint party which was retaliated in which the terrorist was killed. Meanwhile two Police personnel also sustained injuries during the gunfight, one among them has been shifted to Army’s 92 Base Hospital Badamibagh for further treatment. The condition of both Police personnel is stable. One AK 47 rifle, 03 magazines and 54 rounds were seized from the slain terrorist. Driver of the said vehicle was arrested.
Ayoub Lelhari had joined LeT terrorist outfit in 2015 and became very important operative of LeT. He was involved in number of terror offences including killing of civilians in Pulwama besides attack on security forces. He was involved in grenade attacks on Army camp and Police Post at Kakapora. He was also involved in killing of Sarpanch Fayaz Ahmad Kandizal.
His killing is a major success and it has weakened the terror network in Pulwama.
Comments are closed.