The army and local police have vowed to continue their efforts until the last traces of terror infrastructure are dismantled.

In a decisive counterterrorism operation, security forces on Thursday gunned down Altaf Lalli, a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The elimination of the senior terrorist marks a critical blow to the LeT’s presence in the region.

According to officials, the encounter was launched early Thursday morning following precise intelligence inputs about Lalli’s movements. The area was cordoned off, and a search-and-comb operation ensued. When challenged, Lalli opened fire, leading to a brief but intense exchange that resulted in his death.

Authorities described Altaf Lalli as a high-value target, wanted for multiple attacks on civilians and security personnel in north Kashmir. His role in planning and executing terror strikes had made him one of the most-wanted terrorists in the Valley.

“This is a major achievement. Lalli was deeply involved in Lashkar’s operations in Kashmir and had a long record of spreading terror and radicalizing local youth,” a senior police official said.

The successful operation is being seen as part of a broader crackdown on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. Indian forces have been on high alert, with intensified anti-terror operations across the Valley.

Security has been stepped up in the region, and search operations are ongoing to ensure no other militants are present in the area. The army and local police have vowed to continue their efforts until the last traces of terror infrastructure are dismantled.

More details are expected as the operation continues to unfold.