LeT Module Busted in J&K; Five Terrorists, Including Top PAK Operative Abu Hureira, Arrested

In a major success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday busted a key Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module by arresting five terrorists, including a dreaded operative, Abdullah alias Abu Hureira.

Abu Hureira had been active in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir since 2011 and had managed to establish bases outside the Union Territory.

Besides Abdullah, another Pakistani terrorist, Usman alias Khubaib, was also arrested in the operation, which involved coordinated efforts by Jammu and Kashmir Police and central agencies.

During the investigation, officials conducted searches at 19 locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana, recovering incriminating material. The probe revealed a deep-rooted LeT network involved in providing logistical and financial support to terrorists.

Officials said that three Srinagar residents were among those arrested. Identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias “Mama,” they were allegedly providing logistical support, including shelter and food, to terrorists.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a foreign terrorist managed to travel abroad using forged documents and a fake identity with the help of the Lashkar-e-Taiba network operating in other states.

According to officials, the terrorists had infiltrated into India around 15–16 years ago and remained active in various districts of the Kashmir Valley.

Abu Hureira’s Role in Terror Network

According to reports, Abdullah was actively involved in funding and operational networks of Lashkar-e-Taiba, including channels allegedly linked to funding from abroad, and coordinated with overground workers (OGWs) in the Srinagar area.

He was reportedly trained by slain LeT terrorist Abdul Ahad Dar alias “Chotu” and is believed to have links with senior LeT trainers, including Sahiya and Irshad Khan.

He has also been accused of involvement in serious crimes, including misconduct within his own cadre.

Reports indicate that Abdullah was apprehended in the Harwan belt and had allegedly attempted to take shelter on the premises of Kashmir University.

Investigations suggest that he used funds originating from the Middle East to sustain terror activities. Having infiltrated around 2011, Abu Hureira had, over the years, embedded himself within local society, reportedly marrying the daughter of a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader.

His primary areas of operation included Gassu, Vanihama, Chatterhama, and Dhanihama villages, as well as the entire Harwan belt near Srinagar. He is believed to have played a key role in providing logistical and financial support to Lashkar operatives operating in the region.

Officials said he acted as a conduit, arranging transportation, funds, and arms supply for terrorists.

Further investigation revealed that over the years, he handled and commanded nearly 40 foreign terrorists, most of whom were later neutralised by security forces.