Two Lashkar Militants’ Houses Blown Up Following Pahalgam Terror Probe

Srinagar : In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the house of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Asif Sheikh, was destroyed in a powerful blast on Thursday night. Sheikh, a resident of Tral in Pulwama district, is believed to have been part of the larger conspiracy behind the attack.

According to official sources, security agencies have intensified operations across south Kashmir in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. The house belonged to Asif Sheikh, who has been on the radar of intelligence and anti-terror agencies for his alleged role in facilitating the movement and sheltering of attackers. His connections to LeT have reportedly been under surveillance for some time.

While local authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the explosion, reports suggest that the blast may have been the result of an operation targeting terrorist hideouts. News agency PTI, quoting security sources, reported that two houses belonging to LeT operatives were destroyed in the incident. The identities of the second suspect remain unconfirmed at this time.

Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion late Thursday evening, followed by a security cordon and search operation in the vicinity. Visuals from the scene show the remains of at least one house reduced to rubble, with debris scattered across the area.

Asif Sheikh is suspected to have played a key logistical role in the Pahalgam terror attack, which left several security personnel injured and caused widespread concern across the region. Investigators are probing whether Sheikh and his associates were directly involved in the execution or merely in planning and support roles.

Authorities have increased the deployment of forces in Tral and adjoining areas, with the aim of tracking down other suspects who may be linked to the attack. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to dismantle sleeper cells and support networks aiding Pakistan-based terror outfits like LeT.

This latest development underscores the challenges faced by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir as they continue to confront cross-border terrorism.