India: Suspected Terror Attack Masterminds Killed
Two Pakistani nationals suspected of orchestrating a terror attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir last week were shot dead by Indian security forces early this morning.
The duo – going by the aliases “Kamran” and “Hilal” – were the alleged masterminds behind the attack that took place in the state’s Pulwama district on Thursday, 14 February.
The Pakistan-based jihadist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed responsibility for the attack, which saw a suicide bomber ramming a car laden with explosives into a military convoy.
At least 46 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel died and many more were injured.
According to reports, Kamran and Hilal were gunned down by CRPF personnel during a search operation in Pingilana Village, about 15 kilometres away from the site of the attack. Four soldiers were also killed in the stand-off.
Police have yet to confirm the identities of the alleged perpetrators. However, defence ministry spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, reportedly said that one of them was a “top commander” within Jaish-e-Mohammed.
