About Operation Mahadev:
- Objective: To neutralize the terrorists involved in the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.
- Key Terrorists Killed:
- Suleiman alias Faisal Jatt – A-grade LeT commander.
- Afghan – A-grade LeT commander.
- Jibran – A-grade terrorist.
- All three were Pakistani nationals.
- How They Were Identified:
- Human intelligence and sensor data confirmed the terrorist presence in Dachigam.
- Forensic confirmation: Rifles recovered matched ballistically with cartridges from the Pahalgam site.
- Witness identification and custodial interrogations helped confirm identities.
- Items like chocolates and rifles of Pakistani origin were also found.
- Significance:
- Operation Mahadev directly eliminated the perpetrators of the Pahalgam killings.
- Complements Operation Sindoor, which targeted the handlers and planners of the terror strike.
- Highlighted as a successful counter-terrorism operation with cross-agency coordination and prompt action.
Why in News?
Three terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack were killed in a joint operation by Indian security forces, named Operation Mahadev, confirming India’s commitment to strong counter-terror action.

