What Is Indian Army's Operation Keller In Kashmir? What Is Its Significance? Explained
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Operation Keller was launched based on the intel of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit about the presence of terrorists in Shoekal Keller in Shopian. So far, 3 LeT terrorists have been killed
After the success of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the India on May 7, to avenge the death of tourists in a terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army has unleashed Keller Mission — a 'search and destroy" operation – against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The Indian armed forces were successful in destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and later neutralising the air defence system in Lahore after Islamabad sent a barrage of drones targeting more than 25 Indian cities in retaliation.
Let us understand the significance of Operation Keller, how successful it has been so far.
What Is Operation Keller?
Operation Keller was launched based on the specific intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit about the presence of terrorists in the general area of Shoekal Keller in Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army said.
The Indian Army posted on X, 'OPERATION KELLER; On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a #RashtriyasRifles Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, #Shopian, #IndianArmy launched a search and destroy Operation."
The 'Operation is in progress," the Indian Army said on Tuesday. Since then, there has been no other update on 'OPERATION KELLER."
Who Are The Three Terrorists Killed In Operation Keller?
The three terrorists killed in the operation belonged to the LeT, as per a senior police official. The two have been identified as LeT commander Shahid Kuttay and Adnan Shafi. The identity of the third terrorist is being ascertained.
Kuttay was allegedly involved in several terror incidents and anti-national activities, including in the killing of BJP sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024.
On April 26, days after the Pahalgam attack, authorities razed the house belonging to Kuttay.
Adnan Shafi was said to be a resident of Wanduna Melhora area of Shopian. He had joined the LeT in October 2024 and was a category 'C" terrorist. He was allegedly involved in the killing of non-local labourer at Wachi, Shopian on October 18, 2024, the official said.
A massive cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered in the mission. A video posted by news agency PTI showed several rifles, grenades, and ammunition along with bagpacks and wallets of dead terrorists.
What Is The Significance Of Operation Keller?
The successful execution of Operation Keller marked a significant achievement in India's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation declared the success of Operation Sindoor, marking a new chapter in India's fight against terrorism.
PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack, and described the act as an attempt to fracture India's harmony. 'Every terrorist now knows the consequences of wiping Sindoor from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters," he said, dedicating the operation's success to the courage of India's armed forces and the unity of its people.
He outlined India's new security doctrine, built on three pillars: decisive retaliation against terrorist attacks, no tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors. He slammed the Pakistani military for openly supporting terrorists, citing their attendance at militants' funerals as evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. 'This is not an era of war, but it is not an era of terrorism either," PM Modi said.
Security forces remain on high alert on the India-Pakistan border after a temporary pause in the hostilities between the two nations, followed by Operation Sindoor.
First Published:
May 14, 2025, 14:51 IST
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