Kulgam Attack: Agencies Zero In On LeT's Latif, Probe Tactical Shift | Exclusive Details

Last Updated:August 01, 2026, 04:01 IST

Investigating agencies are closely analysing the tactical parameters of the strike to map Latif’s movements and operational choices

Top intelligence sources suspect local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Latif of executing a targeted attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam region, where two civilians were singled out and killed after their religious identities were verified. The victims were part of a group of roughly 250 residents in the area when terrorists confronted them, singled them out based on their names, and opened fire after confirming their Hindu faith. Initial reporting by CNN-News18 first identified Lashkar-e-Taiba as the outfit behind the assault, an involvement that was subsequently validated through an official statement.

Investigating agencies are closely analysing the tactical parameters of the strike to map Latif’s movements and operational choices. Latif traditionally relies on an AK-47, which he previously deployed during targeted strikes in Anantnag. Investigators are now probing how and why he switched to a small concealable weapon for this specific hit-and-run operation.

Latif served as the primary field buddy partner of top A++ category LeT commander Zakir Ganai, executing field operations across Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag. During a recent joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Shopian, Ganai was eliminated, but Latif managed to break the security grid and escape. Ganai’s body was recovered two days after the encounter. Intelligence agencies suspect Latif subsequently carried out follow-up targeted hits in Anantnag and Kulgam to signal ongoing operational capability despite losing his primary operational partner.

Top intelligence sources indicate two overarching strategic motives behind the sudden surge in localised, low-intensity hit-and-run strikes across South Kashmir.

First, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is attempting to maintain operational noise in the Kashmir Valley to ease domestic security pressure currently building up over developments in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Second, terror outfits are deliberately executing small-scale, low-intensity attacks to remain active in the region while avoiding large-scale operations that could invite a major response akin to Operation Sindoor. Had the perpetrators intended to launch a mass-casualty strike, the presence of 250 individuals provided the opportunity, but they intentionally restricted the strike to targeted killings.

According to the latest intelligence assessments, the local terrorist cadre operating across the South Kashmir grid has dwindled to five key individuals. With Zakir Ganai recently neutralised in Shopian, Latif remains the primary active operative evading security forces. The remaining local footprint consists of two dormant militants keeping a low profile to evade surveillance and one additional active militant currently tracked by security agencies across the Valley.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18

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