Operation Keller – On May 13, 2025, Indian security forces achieved a significant victory in their counter-terrorism efforts by eliminating three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists during Operation Keller in the Keller area of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir. Among the deceased was Shahid Kuttay, the operational commander of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of LeT, and the alleged mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam attack.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack and Rising Tensions (Operation Keller)
The operation comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where 26 tourists lost their lives in a brutal attack. Indian authorities attributed the assault to Pakistan-backed militants, specifically pointing to TRF’s involvement. This incident escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the most severe military confrontation in decades until a U.S.-mediated ceasefire was established on May 10.
The Operation: Intelligence-Led Strike in Keller
Acting on precise intelligence inputs from a Rashtriya Rifles unit, Indian forces initiated a search and destroy operation in the Shoekal Keller area of Shopian. During the operation, the terrorists opened heavy fire, resulting in a fierce firefight. The encounter culminated in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists. source
Profiles of the Neutralised Terrorists
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Shahid Kuttay:
A top commander of TRF, Kuttay was implicated in multiple terror activities, including the Pahalgam attack, the k*lling of a BJP sarpanch in Heerpora on May 18, 2024, and the murder of a Territorial Army personnel in Kulgam on February 3, 2025. source
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Adnan Shafi:
He is a resident of Wanduna Melhora in Shopian. Shafi joined the terrorist ranks in October 2024. He was involved in the k*lling of a non-local laborer in Wachi, Shopian, on October 18, 2024. Source
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Third Terrorist:
The identity of the third militant is yet to be ascertained. source
Strategic Implications
The successful execution of Operation Keller underscores India’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from its soil. By neutralising key figures like Shahid Kuttay, Indian forces have dealt a significant blow to the operational capabilities of LeT and its affiliates in the region. This operation also serves as a stern warning to terrorist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Source
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