Operation Keller: Indian Army Eliminates Top LeT Terrorists in J&K’s Shopian

The Indian Army neutralized three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district under Operation Keller on Tuesday, May 13. The operation, based on actionable intelligence, led to the elimination of top LeT commander Shahid Kuttay, dealing a major blow to terror networks operating in the Valley.

The joint operation was launched by the Rashtriya Rifles, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and central intelligence agencies, after credible inputs suggested terrorist presence in the Shoekal Keller area. During the intense firefight that followed, all three terrorists were gunned down.

A video released by news agency PTI showed a huge cache of arms, grenades, rifles, ammunition, backpacks, and personal belongings of the slain terrorists recovered from the encounter site. The Army confirmed that “three hardcore terrorists” were eliminated following a heavy exchange of fire.

Among the dead was Shahid Kuttay, a category “A” terrorist who had joined LeT in 2023. His role had come under increased scrutiny after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. Authorities had demolished Kuttay’s residence just days later, on April 26, as part of a broader crackdown on terror infrastructure in Kashmir.

The second terrorist was identified as Adnan Shafi, also linked to LeT. The third individual’s identity is yet to be confirmed, though police sources believe he too was a foreign-trained militant.

Operation Keller comes close on the heels of Operation Sindoor, another major military offensive targeting Pakistan-based terror outfits. Both operations reflect India’s sharpened counter-terror posture and resolve to dismantle cross-border terrorism.

The ongoing anti-terror initiatives underscore the Indian Army’s proactive strategy to neutralize threats before they escalate, with security forces maintaining heightened alert across the Union Territory. As India continues its crackdown, experts believe the twin operations mark a critical turning point in the fight against militancy in Kashmir.