NIA Uncovers Hamas-Inspired Tactics in the 2025 Pahalgam Terror Attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in its probe into the deadly terror attack that struck the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in south Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The incident, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, stands as one of the most tragic episodes in the region in nearly two decades. Investigators have identified notable operational similarities between this attack and the tactics employed by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, prompting a deeper examination of potential cross-regional influences in terrorist methodologies.

Indian security force personnel talk to local people at the site of terror attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025. File Photo/Reuters | Firstpost

The Attack and Its Immediate Impact

The assault occurred in the picturesque meadows of Baisaran Valley, often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of Kashmir," a popular destination for tourists seeking tranquility amid snow-capped peaks. Three armed militants opened fire on visitors and locals in a coordinated operation that lasted several hours. Among the victims were 25 tourists, predominantly Hindu men, and one local Muslim pony operator who courageously attempted to shield others. More than 20 individuals sustained injuries in the violence.

This tragedy sent shockwaves across the country, highlighting the persistent challenges to peace and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, security forces launched a comprehensive manhunt, while the NIA took over the investigation to unravel the full conspiracy.

Hamas-Style Tactics Employed by Attackers

The NIA's findings reveal that the perpetrators adopted close-range swarming techniques and selective targeting methods that echo elements of global jihadist strategies. Eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence indicate that the attackers separated men from women and children, forcing some victims to recite religious verses or checking for physical markers before carrying out executions at close quarters. One of the terrorists also used a GoPro Hero 12 Black action camera to record the events, aiming to document and potentially propagate the violence.

The recovered camera has become a crucial piece of evidence. Manufactured in the United States and shipped to a distributor in China, it was activated in Dongguan in early 2024 before being smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA has pursued international cooperation, including issuing a Letter Rogatory to Chinese authorities, to trace its complete supply chain and end-users.

Neutralisation of Perpetrators in Operation Mahadev

The three foreign terrorists involved — identified as Suleman Shah (also known as Faisal Jatt), Hamza Afghani, and Zibran — were neutralised on July 28, 2025, during a joint security operation codenamed Operation Mahadev in the dense forests of Dachigam near Srinagar. The 93-day operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, utilising advanced intelligence, drone surveillance, and ground teams to track the suspects through challenging terrain.

This successful operation brought a measure of justice to the victims and their families, demonstrating the resolve of India’s security apparatus in pursuing those responsible for such heinous acts.

Broader Conspiracy and Cross-Border Links

The NIA investigation has traced the planning and execution of the attack to Pakistan-based handlers associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF). A detailed chargesheet highlights the role of individuals like Sajjid Jatt, who allegedly provided logistical support and coordinates from across the border. The probe also connects the weapons and equipment used in Pahalgam to earlier incidents, underscoring a sustained pattern of activity.

Authorities are examining possible links to wider transnational networks, including influences from groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and others, as part of efforts to understand the evolving tactics in regional militancy. The case forms part of a larger inquiry into organised attempts to destabilise peace in the area through advanced planning and external support.

The MGMM Outlook 

The NIA’s investigation into the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack highlights the increasingly sophisticated and globally influenced nature of modern terrorism. The discovery of tactics resembling those used in Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel—including close-range executions, selective targeting of victims, and the use of body-mounted cameras to document violence—suggests that terrorist groups are adapting and borrowing operational methods across regions. The attack not only exposed vulnerabilities in civilian security at a major tourist destination in Kashmir but also demonstrated how extremist organizations seek to maximize psychological impact through carefully planned acts of brutality.

The probe has also underscored the importance of intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations and international cooperation. The successful neutralisation of the attackers during Operation Mahadev reflected the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, while the investigation into the GoPro camera’s international supply chain illustrates the growing need for cross-border collaboration in tackling terrorism. As evidence points toward Pakistan-based handlers linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front, the case reinforces concerns about sustained external support networks that continue to fuel instability in the region and challenge long-term peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, NDTV)