Operation Mahadev, Objectives, Timeline, Impact, Significance

Operation Mahadev was a high-intensity counter-terrorism operation conducted by Indian security forces in the Harwan-Mulnar region of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir on July 28, 2025. The operation was launched to neutralize terrorists linked to the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives.

This joint mission by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF marked one of the most important operations in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

What Was Operation Mahadev?

Operation Mahadev was a surgical counter-terrorist action that targeted and eliminated three heavily armed terrorists hiding in a forested area near Dachigam National Park. Among those killed was the alleged mastermind of the Pahalgam attack, a significant breakthrough in India’s internal security efforts. The operation was the result of precise intelligence inputs,  drone surveillance, and a well-coordinated response by the security forces.

Objective of the Operation Mahadev

The main goals of Operation Mahadev included:

• Neutralizing the terrorists behind the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam bus attack
• Preventing future infiltration and terror activities in South and Central Kashmir
• Sending a clear message to terrorist networks operating from across the border

Terrorists Killed in the Operation Mahadev

The three terrorists eliminated in Operation Mahadev have been identified as:

1. Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Moosa

He was the chief planner of the Pahalgam bus attack, which killed 26 people and injured many others. Reports state that he had close ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba and operated under the direction of foreign handlers.

2. Abu Hamza

Known by multiple aliases, including Hamza Afghani, he was believed to be a foreign militant with experience in mountainous warfare and bomb-making.

3. Yasir (also known as Jibran)

Another foreign terrorist, Yasi,r was part of the same group and had reportedly entered Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied territory months before the attack.

How the Operation Was Executed

Surveillance and Intercepts: Two days before the operation, Indian intelligence agencies intercepted a satellite phone call involving the terrorists, helping pinpoint their location.

Deployment: Units from the 24 Rashtriya Rifles, 4 PARA Commandos, CRPF, and J&K Police were deployed near Lidwas and Mulnar areas.

Final Assault: On July 28, around 12:30 PM, security forces launched an attack. A brief but intense gunfight ensued. By 1:30 PM, all three terrorists had been neutralized.

Recovery: Arms, ammunition, and satellite communication devices were recovered from the site.

Timeline of Operation Mahadev

The timeline of Operation Mahadev began with intelligence inputs around July 26, 2025, leading to a swift and coordinated encounter on July 28 in the Harwan-Mulnar region near Srinagar. The detailed timeline have been tabulated below.

Impact of Operation Mahadev

• The successful elimination of the Pahalgam mastermind is being seen as a major victory for India’s anti-terror efforts.
• Families of the Pahalgam victims expressed relief and praised the security forces.
• Security agencies believe that this operation has crippled a key Lashkar-e-Taiba cell in South Kashmir.
• The morale of troops and confidence in joint anti-terror operations have seen a significant boost.

Also Check: Operation Sindoor

 Political and Public Reactions of Operation Mahadev

• Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the operation, calling it a much-needed action in response to the Pahalgam tragedy.
• Multiple political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir called for continued military pressure on terror networks.
• Locals near the operation site reported that the encounter was swift and did not cause civilian harm.

Strategic Significance of Operation Mahadev

Operation Mahadev stands out not just for its success in eliminating high-value targets but also for:

• Effective inter-agency coordination
• Rapid drone and satellite-based surveillance
• Use of real-time human intelligence from local sources