Operation Akhal: Epic 8-Day Terror Hunt Grips Kulgam
Security forces battle terrorists in Kulgam’s dense forests.
A grueling anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its eighth day on Friday, marking one of the longest such missions in the region’s history. Security forces are engaged in a relentless pursuit of terrorists hiding in the dense forest area of Akhal, South Kashmir, with intermittent gunfire echoing through the challenging terrain.
The operation, launched on August 1 following precise intelligence about terrorist presence, has seen two terrorists killed so far, though their identities and affiliations remain unconfirmed. Seven security personnel have been injured during the intense exchanges. The operation began with a cordon and search mission, escalating into a fierce gunfight. After a brief pause overnight, additional reinforcements, including para commandos, were deployed, and the cordon was tightened.
Senior officials, including Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat and Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are closely monitoring the situation. Prabhat visited the site on Thursday to assess progress, while Sharma reviewed the broader counter-terrorism strategy in South Kashmir. Security forces have employed drones and helicopters to track the elusive militants in the rugged forest, where visibility and mobility are limited.
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Kulgam Anti-Terror Op Intensifies, Injures Three More
“This is a complex operation due to the terrain and the terrorists’ tactics,” an official said, noting the ongoing exchange of fire. The mission’s duration—now the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley this year—underscores the challenges of neutralizing threats in such environments.
As the operation continues, security forces remain vigilant, determined to eliminate the remaining terrorists and restore stability to the region. The prolonged encounter highlights the resilience and coordination of the forces in tackling militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Epic 7-Day Anti-Terror Battle Rages in Kulgam
