Sheikh Yusuf Afridi, a senior terrorist linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The killing appears to be part of a continuing pattern of targeted attacks on terrorists in Pakistan.Reports described Afridi as a close associate of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed. According to reports, the gunmen ambushed Afridi and fired multiple rounds, leaving him critically wounded at the scene. He sustained several bullet injuries and died on the spot. Reports citing witness accounts suggested that the gunmen acted with precision, giving Afridi no opportunity to escape or seek cover. By the time local residents reached the site, the attackers had already fled, disappearing into the surrounding hilly terrain.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing.
Pakistan Launches Investigation, Number Of Targeted Killings By Unknown Gunmen Rise
Pakistan’s security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident, treating it as part of a broader trend of targeted killings involving individuals linked to banned militant organisations.
Afridi’s death adds to a growing list of similar incidents reported across the country.
Unknown men strike again in Pakistan 😳
Top Lashkar terrorist Maulana Sheikh Yousuf Afridi shot dead by unknown men in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Dhurandhar 💀 pic.twitter.com/XzpWdkbTTR
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) April 26, 2026
Who Was Sheikh Yusuf Afridi?
Reports say Sheikh Yusuf Afridi was from the Afridi tribe in the Khyber region. He was considered a key figure within Lashkar-e-Taiba’s regional hierarchy.
He reportedly headed the outfit’s operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and maintained close ties with Hafiz Saeed. According to reports, Afridi played a significant role in recruitment drives, ideological outreach, and coordination of the group’s activities.
He was also suspected of facilitating the training and movement of operatives, particularly in connection with operations targeting Jammu and Kashmir.
Over 30 Terrorist Targetted Since Early 2026
Afridi’s killing comes amid a series of similar attacks across Pakistan in recent months. Reports indicate that more than 30 terrorists linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen have been targeted since the beginning of 2026.
These incidents have been reported across multiple regions, including Lahore, Karachi, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
🚨 BREAKING: Reports say a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Sheikh Yusuf Afridi, was killed in a shooting by unknown gunmen 🤣 in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He was reportedly heading a key network of the group in the region.
More details awaited.#BreakingNews #Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/4kUWMmBV1P
— Dhanjiv Pandey (@Dhanjivpandey) April 26, 2026
Despite the frequency of these attacks, there has been no official confirmation regarding those responsiblle.
In a recent attack in Lahore involving Aamir Hamza, another senior figure reportedly close to Hafiz Saeed. Hamza was injured in a shooting earlier this month.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
