Jammu & Kashmir : The body of a Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Musa, was recovered following the Korag encounter in Jammu and Kashmir, along with war-like stores, according to security sources. Mohammad Asif, who was reportedly wanted in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack, has been identified as a former Pakistan Army personnel, according to media reports.
J & K Police on its ‘X’ accont said that “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide ! Op Soan : the two neutralised Pakistani Jaish e Mohammed terrorists have been identified as Saddam and Mustafa. An AK Assault Rifle (with 4 mags) ; M4 Carbine (with 3 mags) ; a Glock Pistol (with 2 mags) and 4 grenades have been recovered from their person. ”
Sources cited in media reports said Asif was born on March 7, 1980 and joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947. He subsequently retired from the Army with the rank of Havildar.
In 2005, he was reportedly inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG) and served with the 4 Commando “Yalgar” Battalion. From 2006 onward, he was posted in Balochistan, where he reportedly participated in around 10 operations against Baloch insurgents and was credited with 13 personal kills, according to the sources.
Media reports further stated that between 2006 and 2009, Mohammad Asif served as part of the VVIP Security Team of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
The recovery of his body and war-like stores following the Korag encounter is being seen in the context of ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir.