Indian Army Kills Three Terrorists in Kashmir's Shopian as Operation Keller Intensifies

The Indian Army said it killed three terrorists on Tuesday in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir during a counter-terrorism mission named Operation Keller.

The encounter began early morning in the dense forests of Keller, Shopian, following intelligence received by the Rashtriya Rifles, the Army’s specialized counter-insurgency unit. According to an official statement, the terrorists opened heavy fire on security personnel, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“Operation Keller: On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence received by a Rashtriya Rifles unit regarding the presence of terrorists in the general area of Shoekal Keller, Shopian, the Indian Army launched a search-and-destroy operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire, and a fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the elimination of three hardcore terrorists,” the Indian Army said.

"Operation is in progress,” the Army added, hinting at the possibility of more terrorists hiding in Kashmir’s forests.

The identities of the slain militants have not yet been confirmed. Authorities are investigating whether they were connected to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, including 25 Indian tourists and a Nepali national.

Since the Pahalgam massacre, Indian forces have stepped up combing operations in South Kashmir and Kishtwar regions. Indian agencies believe that three terrorists linked to LeT—Hussain Thoker from Anantnag, and two Pakistani nationals, Ali Bhai (aka Talha Bhai) and Hasim Musa (aka Suleiman)—planned the attack. Posters offering ₹20 lakh for information leading to their arrest have been placed across Pulwama, with assurances of confidentiality for informants.

Drone strikes, retaliation, and ceasefire

The recent operation comes days after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on May 10, following intense cross-border exchanges triggered by the Pahalgam attack. Pakistani ceasefire violations were reported just hours after the announcement, including shelling in Srinagar and other border areas.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to Pahalgam attacks. Pakistan responded with drone attacks on areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These attacks were intercepted by Indian defence systems. India countered with airstrikes on multiple Pakistani airbases.