Srinagar, April 26 (NationPress) Security forces have escalated their offensive against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) affiliates and individuals associated with the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives on April 22. In a series of strategic operations, several residences of active terrorists throughout South Kashmir were demolished overnight as part of the ongoing counterterrorism efforts, according to sources.

On Friday night, the property belonging to Shahid Ahmad Kuttay, a prominent LeT commander from Chotipora in Shopian, was completely destroyed by authorities. Kuttay has allegedly been involved in terror activities for the past three to four years and is accused of orchestrating anti-national operations, as per the sources.

Additionally, the residence of active terrorist Zahid Ahmed from Matalhama in Kulgam was also razed during the night, further intensifying the crackdown on terrorists in the area.

In Pulwama district, a double-storey house belonging to LeT terrorist Ehsan Ahmad Sheikh, active since June 2023, was demolished. Another Lashkar terrorist, Haris Ahmad, who has also been active since 2023, saw his home destroyed in an explosion in the Kachipora region of Pulwama.

Furthermore, in the Murran area of Pulwama, the house of Pahalgam attack suspect Ahsan Ul Haq Sheikh was also levelled during an explosion. Ahsan, who received terror training in Pakistan in 2018, had recently re-entered the valley, raising alarm among intelligence agencies.

Earlier on Friday, a house in Monghama, Tral, connected to suspected terrorist Asif Sheikh, was destroyed in a significant explosion. Sheikh, reportedly a local LeT commander, is under scrutiny for possible involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

Sources indicated that security forces uncovered suspicious materials within the residence during a search operation and withdrew for safety. Shortly thereafter, a massive blast engulfed the building, indicating the likely presence of explosive materials.

In another key development, the residence of LeT operative Adil Thokar, also known as Adil Guree, was demolished in Guree, Bijbehara. Authorities believe Thokar played a pivotal role in the April 22 attack. He had legally traveled to Pakistan in 2018, where he allegedly received terror training, and returned to the region last year. Since then, he has been monitored by security and intelligence agencies for his involvement in insurgent activities.

This extensive demolition drive comes amid intensified counterterrorism measures and follows sweeping retaliatory actions by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

On April 22, terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), executed a massacre in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.