Biscuits play key role in Srinagar anti-terror operation

Srinagar, Nov 3: A successful anti-terror operation that led to the elimination of a high-profile terrorist commander in Jammu and Kashmir was marked not only by strategic planning but also an unconventional solution biscuits.

Senior officials highlighted the importance of the snack in mitigating the challenge posed by stray dogs during the operation against Usman, a commander of the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Usman was killed on Saturday in a day-long encounter in the densely-populated Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar, marking the first significant gunfight in the summer capital in more than two years.

The operation involved a joint effort from the local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The officials said Usman, who was well familiar with the Valley terrain, was a significant figure in orchestrating numerous terror attacks since his initial activity in the early 2000s.

After a stint in Pakistan, he infiltrated back into the region around 2016-17 and was implicated in the shooting of police inspector Masroor Wani last year.

When intelligence indicated Usman’s presence in a residential area, a meticulous nine-hour planning phase ensued to ensure the operation’s success without collateral damage.

A significant concern was the presence of stray dogs, whose barking could potentially alert the terrorist.

To counter this, search teams were equipped with biscuits to pacify the dogs as they approached their target.

The entire deployment was done before Fajar (pre-dawn prayers), with security forces cordoning off a cluster of 30 homes.

The standoff escalated when Usman armed with an AK-47, a pistol, and numerous grenades engaged in a fierce gunfire exchange with the security forces.

During the confrontation, some grenades detonated, igniting a fire in the house that was quickly contained by the security personnel to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

After several hours of intense gunfire, Usman was neutralised. The encounter resulted in injuries to four security personnel who are reported to be in stable condition.

The operation represents a significant victory for the forces, particularly against The Resistance Front, a LeT offshoot that has increasingly targeted non-local labourers and security personnel.

The successful mission underscores the lengths to which the authorities will go, including finding unique and unconventional solutions, to ensure their operations’ safety and effectiveness.

The encounter not only marks a pivotal moment in counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in the region. (PTI)

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Assam moves closer to launching its own satellite, AssamSat, in collaboration with ISRO

ISRO Extends Full Support to AssamSat Guwahati, April 2: In...

70 people convicted under NDPS Act in Tripura in last 3 years: CM

Agartala, Apr 2: Asserting that his government has a...

Chinese military conducts large-scale drills around Taiwan

Taipei, Apr 2: The Chinese military conducted large-scale drills...

KSU demands raise in age limit of nurses

Appointments at NEIGRIHMS Shillong, Apr 2: The Khasi Students’ Union...

Issue of wine shop licences put on hold  

Complaints about lack of sale due to ‘too many...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img