Burhan’s close aide and Musa's successor Sabzar killed in Tral encounter

Srinagar: Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, who had succeeded Burhan Wani as the militant outfit’s chief, was among two terrorists gunned down during an hours-long encounter in Tral area of south Kashmir, Army sources said.


Bhat, who carried a reward of Rs10 lakh, was among three militants trapped by security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district. The militants had at 9pm on Friday opened fire at a patrol party of 42 Rashtriya Rifles at Hardumir. They managed to escape the spot when the forces retaliated. The trio was later cornered and a gun battle ensued that continued till early hours of Saturday.

While Bhat and another militant were killed, search operations were on for the third militant.

Both Wani and Bhat belonged to the Tral area. Bhat was one of the 11 people in one of the earliest photos of Burhan Wani along with his associates. He was understood to have been the one who was appointed to replace Wani in Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Director General of Jammu and Kashmir police, SP Vaid, talking to News18 on phone about the encounter said, “He is definitely there. His presence has been confirmed. But we will declare him dead only after all the operations are over.”

Ever since Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in July last year, Bhat had been heading the Hizbul Mujahudeen. The militant, also known as ‘Sab Don’, has featured in videos and photos that have been circulated by the group.