Just days after the high-profile Operation Sindoor, India’s security forces launched another critical mission—Operation Keller—in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district.

This latest offensive, conducted by the Indian Army on May 13, 2025, resulted in the killing of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a dense forest region, sending a strong message about India’s aggressive and evolving counter-terror strategy.

While the operation was executed deep within Indian territory, it is directly linked to rising tensions with Pakistan and a string of recent terrorist incidents, including the brutal massacre in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives.

What Was Operation Keller?

Operation Keller was a precision military strike launched in the Shoekal Keller area of Shopian, based on intelligence provided by a unit of the Rashtriya Rifles. The information indicated the presence of armed LeT terrorists in the forested zone, prompting the Indian Army to initiate a search and destroy mission.

According to an official Army post on X (formerly Twitter):



"OPERATION KELLER. On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence... #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorists. Operation is in progress."

The firefight, which reportedly began in neighboring Kulgam district, spilled into Shopian, ending with the neutralization of all three terrorists after an intense exchange of gunfire.

Who Were the Terrorists Killed in Operation Keller?

Security forces have identified the three deceased militants, all linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, a designated terrorist group:

  • Shahid Kuttay: A resident of Chotipora Heerpora, Shopian, Shahid joined LeT in March 2023. He was involved in several high-profile attacks, including the April 2024 shooting at the Danish Resort that injured two German tourists. He was also suspected in the killing of a BJP sarpanch and a Territorial Army soldier.

  • Adnan Shafi Dar: Hailing from Wanduna Melhora in Shopian, Adnan joined LeT in October 2024 and was responsible for murdering a non-local labourer in Wachi shortly after.

  • Haris Nazir: Reportedly from Pulwama, Haris was believed to have assisted in the Danish Resort attack. His full background is still being investigated.

During the operation, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and other weapons, confirming that the group was equipped and planning future attacks.

Operation Keller: A Follow-Up to Operation Sindoor

Operation Keller came just six days after India carried out Operation Sindoor, a cross-border counterterror strike that targeted nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. That operation was in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed in cold blood.

Indian intelligence has blamed that attack on three Pakistan-based terrorists—Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai, and Hashim Musa. Posters with their photos have since been plastered around the Kashmir Valley under the tagline “Terror-Free Kashmir.” Authorities have offered a ₹20 lakh reward for credible information on their whereabouts.

Together, these operations reflect a growing momentum in India’s counterterror strategy, combining surgical strikes, real-time intelligence, and targeted elimination of active militants.

Why Operation Keller Matters

Operation Keller is more than just a tactical win—it’s a strategic signal.

It demonstrates India’s continued zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and its willingness to act swiftly on intelligence. In an environment where cross-border ceasefire agreements are increasingly fragile and drone incursions are becoming more frequent, the Army’s back-to-back operations reflect a shift in doctrine from reactive defense to proactive neutralization.

“These are not isolated encounters,” say defense analysts. “They’re part of a broader doctrine shift aimed at disrupting terror ecosystems before they can strike.”

The Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counterinsurgency force, played a key role in Keller—highlighting the importance of local intel integration and special forces readiness.

Counter-Terrorism in a New Era

India’s evolving strategy now appears focused on three key pillars:

  1. Actionable Intelligence: Quick, ground-level information flow from local sources and surveillance.

  2. Precision Operations: Swift, well-planned attacks that minimize civilian casualties.

  3. Psychological Messaging: Posters, public announcements, and visible rewards for cooperation show the people that the government is in control—and that terrorists will be held accountable.

These tactics are not only aimed at eliminating individual militants but also undermining morale, cutting off recruitment, and weakening external support networks, particularly those backed from across the border.

A Message for the Region

In the larger geopolitical context, Operation Keller—following the bold move of Operation Sindoor—sends a clear message to Pakistan and international observers: India is prepared to take decisive action to protect its citizens and sovereignty.

At a time when the LoC remains tense and political temperatures are rising, these high-impact operations reinforce the idea that the Indian Army is not waiting for the next attack to respond. It's already in motion—tracking, targeting, and eliminating threats before they strike.