Pulwama encounter: JeM chief Masood Azhar’s nephew gunned down, US-made M4 carbine, Ak-47, ammunition recovered

Jaish-e-Mohammed chief’s Masood Azhar’s nephew was one of the three terrorist gunned down by joint security forces in an encounter at Pulwama’s Aglar Kandi on Monday evening.

One of the gunned down terrorist in Pulwana was identified as JeM’s chief nephew, Talha Raseed, by the banned terrorist group’s spokesperson. The other two militants have been identified as the divisional commander Muhammad Bhai and Waseem, a resident of Pulwama’s Drubgam.

inspector general of police (IG) Munir Khan said, "The JeM themselves have claimed one of the militant killed is a Pakistani and nephew of Masood Azhar." 

The security forces have recovered two AK-47, US made carbine M4 and several rounds of ammunition from the encounter site. The three killed militants body have also been recovered.

"This is the first time an US-made rifle M4 has been recovered, " said Indian Army GOC BB Raju, while Khan said, "How JeM militants got the US-made rifle is part of investigation. The M4 is no challenge for the force."

The Indian Army chief Vipin Rawat, "It does not matter who he is. Be it Azhar Masood's nephew or anyone. Army will keep neutralising militants."

A senior Jammu and Kashmir Police officer who wished anonymity told News Nations that the operation was launched on Monday after they had received intelligence input regarding terrorists involved in last week’s attack on police patrolling party camping in the forested area in Pulwama.  

The officer added that as security forces marched towards Aglar Kandi, terrorists opened fire. Security forces taking position with the first round of firing by the militants retaliated leading to the killing of the three. One security personnel also suffered bullet injuries in the gunbattle, who later succumbed to his injuries.

The joint operation was carried out by Army’s 44 RR, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).