Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander killed in Shopian operation

A top commander of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group was killed in a joint security operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The operation, involving the police's Special Operations Group, the Army's Rashtriya Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force, resulted in the death of Zakir Ahmad Ganie, also known as Zakir Ganai, from Kulgam.

The encounter began in the Chanapora area after security forces, acting on intelligence, initiated a search operation. Officials stated that gunfire was exchanged during the operation, after which Ganie's body was recovered. Weapons and ammunition were reportedly seen near the site. In a social media post, the Jammu and Kashmir Police declared the militant had been "neutralised" with the message, "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide!"

Authorities indicated that a second militant, identified as Latif Bhat, is believed to be trapped in the area as search operations continue. The security cordon has been tightened, with forces utilizing drones, surveillance equipment, and sniffer dogs to track movement through the district's dense orchards and villages. The specialized Army Victor Force unit was...