No. Reading the source code is not the same as checking the DOM.
DOM attributes can be different (and often are) than the source code; especially on web sites which use a lot of Javascript to manipulate the DOM (like Discourse).
That is why I mentioned specifically to query the DOM and not simply look at the source code 
However, I agree with you @osioke, that the source code clearly shows the target attribute missing; but when we check the DOM, we will be “certain” what is the attribute; since the DOM can be in a different state than the source code (and often is in a different state).
Personally, I am a huge fan of “never assuming anything” so that is why I suggested that @riteshsaini “make sure” by checking the DOM and then “go from there”.
It is highly possible the DOM and the source code link target attributes are in the same state; but I always recommend folks troubleshooting problems not assume these kinds of details; hence my suggestion to query the DOM as a troubleshooting step.
Hope this helps.