In a remarkable anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian security forces successfully neutralized Usman, a senior commander of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This operation not only showcased the tactical prowess of the forces but also highlighted an unexpected yet ingenious use of biscuits to ensure success.
But first, who was Usman?
Usman had been a significant figure in the terror landscape since the early 2000s, known for orchestrating numerous attacks across Kashmir. After spending time in Pakistan, he returned around 2016-17 and quickly resumed his violent activities, becoming notorious for high-profile incidents such as the shooting of police inspector Masroor Wani last year.
Recognizing him as a key target, Indian intelligence agencies meticulously planned a strike once they pinpointed his location in a residential area.
The Clever Biscuit Strategy
The operation's planning phase lasted nine hours, focusing on minimizing noise to avoid alerting Usman or risking civilian safety. Stray dogs, common in Jammu and Kashmir, often pose a challenge during such operations due to their barking. To counter this, security teams devised a creative solution: they distributed packets of biscuits to calm the dogs in the vicinity.
A senior official involved in the operation remarked, “We used them to avoid unnecessary noise that could have tipped him off.” This seemingly trivial detail proved crucial. The operation commenced just before Fajr, the pre-dawn prayers, allowing forces to cordon off an area with nearly 30 homes while quietly distributing biscuits to stray dogs.
The Intense Encounter
As the operation unfolded, Usman fiercely resisted arrest. Armed with an AK-47 and several grenades, he engaged in a heated gunfight with security forces. During this exchange, he used grenades to fend off capture, which eventually put his house, where he was hiding, on fire. Fortunately, security personnel managed to control the flames swiftly, preventing damage to neighbouring homes and ensuring civilian safety.
After several hours of intense combat, Usman was finally neutralized. Although four security personnel sustained injuries during the encounter, they are reported to be in stable condition.
A Lesson in Tactical Ingenuity
The Khanyar Operation serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest details can have great impacts on such high-stakes missions. While the biscuit strategy may seem trivial at first glance, it played an essential role in ensuring the success of this critical mission against one of India's most wanted terrorists.
Comments