Srinagar: Lashkar-e-Toiba`s operational
capability has suffered a "serious setback" after its three
top commanders were killed in an operation last week in north
Kashmir`s Lolab area, a top army official has said.
"The success of the operation (in Lolab) has resulted in
a serious setback to Lashkar and undermined its operational
capability in north Kashmir in general, and Lolab in
particular," General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar
based 15 Corps, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain said.
Hasnain visited Lolab area of Kupwara district yesterday
where five top militant commanders were killed after a fierce
gunbattle that lasted an entire day.
The Army commander congratulated the soldiers and
policemen for their success in a "difficult but very boldly
conducted" operation.
The five militants, including four Lashkar commanders,
were killed inside a house at Maidanpora village in Lolab, 120
kms from here.
Militants killed in the gunfight were identified as
Saqib, the Divisional Commander of LeT for north Kashmir,
Hamad, the Divisional Commander for Kupwara district, Qari
Saifullah, the Divisional Commander of LeT for central
Kashmir, Chotta Saad, the Battalion Commander of LeT and
Umair, the Battalion Commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad.
All the militant were Pakistani nationals.
PTI
