Hamza Burhan, an Al-Badr commander linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was killed by unknown gunmen in Muzaffarabad [1].

Burhan was a high-value target for Indian agencies due to his alleged role in coordinating one of the deadliest attacks in the region. His death removes a key operational figure linked to the supply of explosives used in the 2019 bombing [2].

Burhan, who was 27 [3], also operated under the alias Arjuman Gulzar Dar and was known by the code name “Doctor” [1]. He was reported killed on May 21, 2024 [4], in the city of Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir [5].

According to reports, the assailants who carried out the killing remain unknown [2]. Burhan had been identified by Indian intelligence as a primary mastermind behind the Pulwama attack, specifically for his role in supplying the explosives that targeted the security convoy [2].

Because of his activities and his leadership role within Al-Badr, Burhan was categorized as a wanted extremist [6]. His presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir had made him a focal point for counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence monitoring [6].

The elimination of Burhan follows years of pursuit by security agencies seeking accountability for the 2019 attack [2]. While the identity of the gunmen is not yet clear, the event marks the end of a significant figure in the Al-Badr network [5].

“Hamza Burhan, an Al-Badr commander linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was killed by unknown gunmen.”

The death of Hamza Burhan represents a significant blow to the Al-Badr network's operational history. By removing a figure specifically linked to the logistics and explosives supply of the 2019 Pulwama attack, the event disrupts the legacy chain of command associated with that event, though the anonymity of the killers leaves open questions about whether this was a targeted intelligence operation or an internal militant rift.