On July 28, 2025, Indian security forces successfully neutralized the masterminds behind the Pahalgam massacre, which claimed 26 innocent lives on April 22, 2025. Identified attackers Suleman Shah, Abu Hamza, and Yasir "Jibran" were Pakistani nationals and senior operatives in Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET).
Suleman Shah, the mastermind and chief marksman, was an A++ commander in LET. Known by his alias Afghan, Abu Hamza was an A-grade commander, as was Yasir "Jibran," tasked with guarding operations.
In-depth Details: Operation Mahadev’s Tactical Analysis and Seized Weaponry
Discovery of Pakistani Documents
Authorities recovered several crucial documents...
Pakistani Voter Cards: Laminated voter slips were found in the pockets of Suleman Shah and Abu Hamza, issued by the Pakistan Election Commission.
NADRA Smart-ID Chips: Biometric records confirming their Pakistani citizenship were retrieved from a micro-SD card in a defunct satellite phone.
Pakistani Items: A backpack contained wrappers from "Candiland" and "ChocoMax" chocolates, alongside spare magazines.
Timeline and Infiltration in Kashmir
The attackers infiltrated the Line of Control (LOC) via the Gurez sector in May 2022. They stayed at a seasonal hut near Hill Park, 2 kilometers from Baisaran, on April 21, 2025. By the next morning, they advanced to Baisaran meadow and opened fire by 2:30 PM.
Breakthrough: How Operation Mahadev Brought Down The Pahalgam Attackers
Source: aajtak
Forensic and Technical Evidence
The case against the attackers was backed by solid evidence...
Ballistics: 7.62×39 mm cartridges recovered from the scene matched the AK-47 rifles confiscated from the assailants.
DNA: Mitochondrial profiles extracted from a torn blood-stained shirt in Pahalgam were consistent with DNA from the three bodies found in Dachigam.
Digital Trace: The satellite phone used by the trio sent signals every night to Inmarsat-4 F1 between April 22 and July 25, 2025.
Command and Control From Pakistan
Sajid Saifullah Jat, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s South Kashmir operations chief, orchestrated the operation. Voice samples from the seized satellite phone matched previous intercepted calls. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the significance of this evidence, noting that for the first time, government-issued Pakistani documents unequivocally confirmed the nationalities of the Pahalgam attackers.
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The Details of the Attack
On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, known as "Mini Switzerland," a peaceful tourist spot. Five terrorists wielding M4 carbines and AK-47s killed 26 individuals—mostly Hindu tourists, along with a Christian tourist and a local Muslim. This was deemed the most dangerous civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Operation Mahadev
On July 28, 2025, Operation Mahadev was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and para-commandos, tracking down the terrorists in Dachigam forests. Satellite phone surveillance and local intelligence guided the operation that eliminated Suleman Shah, Abu Hamza, and Yasir Jibran. The operation seized AK-47s, M4 carbines, 17 grenades, and magazines.
Pakistan’s Involvement
The evidence clarifies that the attack originated in Pakistan. Suleman Shah, a former Pakistani army commando, joined Lashkar, planning the attack under Sajid Saifullah Jat, who was based in Pakistan. The recovered documents and chocolate wrappers further validate Pakistani origins.
Source: aajtak
India’s Response
In retaliation, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK. Capturing the mastermind through Operation Mahadev signifies a major victory in this ongoing battle.
Evidence with POK Journalist
A journalist and lawyer in POK shared comprehensive evidence of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack on social media. Recently, terrorist Habib Tahir, involved in the attack, was killed during Operation Mahadev.
Habib Tahir hailed from Rawalakot, Khai Gala Koyian area of POK. During his funeral, commanded by Lashkar's Rizwan Hanif, he faced public disdain, highlighting growing resistance to terrorist activities.
A local journalist from Rawalakot exposed the ongoing terror camps in POK, implicating Lashkar and the Pakistani army. Teachers of Habib Tahir also criticized the indoctrination and operations run by Lashkar and verified Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack through documented social media disclosures.
