In a unique and meticulously planned anti-terror operation, biscuits became an unlikely yet pivotal tool in the elimination of Usman, a high-profile Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in Srinagar’s densely populated Khanyar area. The operation not only showcased the adaptability and precision of Indian security forces but also highlighted the inventive strategies needed to counter unexpected challenges in high-stakes scenarios.
Security forces received intelligence on Usman’s location, pinpointing a cluster of homes where he was believed to be hiding. Usman, a well-known operative in the region with extensive knowledge of the Valley’s terrain, had been linked to numerous attacks, including the 2023 shooting of police inspector Masroor Wani. Intelligence reports indicated he was heavily armed and unlikely to surrender without a fight.
Nine-Hour Planning Amid Unique Challenges
Faced with the challenges of a populated residential area and the need to avoid alerting Usman prematurely, security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police, undertook a nine-hour planning phase. Senior officials noted the necessity of minimizing civilian casualties and preserving the element of surprise. The presence of stray dogs in the vicinity posed an additional challenge, as their barking could have easily alerted Usman to the presence of the forces.
To address this, search teams carried packets of biscuits to pacify the dogs, a move that allowed them to approach silently without triggering any undue alarms. “The biscuits may seem like a small detail, but in operations like these, every small step counts. We used them to avoid unnecessary noise that could have tipped him off,” said a senior official involved in the operation.
Executing the Operation Pre-Dawn
The operation was launched just before Fajr, the pre-dawn prayers, when security forces cordoned off the area around a cluster of approximately 30 homes. Moving quietly through the streets, the teams distributed biscuits to the stray dogs to ensure a calm approach. Despite their best efforts to maintain stealth, a fierce gunfight erupted as soon as Usman became aware of the forces’ presence.
Usman, armed with an AK-47, a pistol, and multiple grenades, engaged in a prolonged shootout with security personnel. During the confrontation, several grenades exploded, sparking a fire within the building where he was holed up. Quick-thinking personnel contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.
A Tactical Victory with Minimal Casualties
After hours of intense gunfire, Usman was eventually neutralized, marking the end of the high-stakes operation. Four security personnel sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities lauded the collaborative effort, which combined local police expertise with the CRPF’s tactical experience.
End of a Long Hunt
Usman was known for his familiarity with the Valley and was implicated in numerous attacks over the years. Having initially entered the region in the early 2000s, he returned around 2016-17 after a stint in Pakistan, bringing with him advanced tactics and experience. His role in orchestrating terror attacks had made him a high-priority target for security forces, who spent years tracking him down.
Officials emphasized the importance of Usman’s elimination as a significant blow to LeT’s operations in the region, given his role in masterminding attacks and mentoring younger recruits.
Strategy and Future Operations
This operation, while unusual in its use of simple tactics like biscuits to address unforeseen challenges, underscored the strategic adaptability of Indian security forces. Senior officials pointed out that maintaining stealth in densely populated areas will continue to be crucial in future anti-terror operations, especially as they adapt to complex environments.
The operation’s success also serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of security personnel as they work to dismantle terror networks in the region, despite the high-risk conditions and evolving challenges they face on the ground.
