Operation Akhal: Kulgam Clash Intensifies, 4 Soldiers Injured
Longest anti-terror operation in Kashmir claims lives.
A grueling anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its ninth day on Saturday, marking one of the longest encounters in the valley, as four security personnel were injured in overnight gunfire, officials reported. The operation, which has now claimed the lives of two Army jawans, has injured eleven personnel since it began on August 1 in the dense Akhal forest, sparked by intelligence about terrorist hideouts.
The encounter started with a cordon and search operation, leading to an initial firefight last Friday. Two terrorists were killed the following day, though their identities and affiliations remain unconfirmed. Security forces, including para commandos, have since tightened the cordon, deploying drones and helicopters to track remaining militants hiding in the rugged terrain. Intense explosions and intermittent firing echoed through Saturday night, signaling fierce resistance from what officials believe is a group of multiple terrorists.
Senior officers, including Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat and Army Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are overseeing the operation round-the-clock. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to prevent escapes, with the area under strict lockdown. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a hospital, but two succumbed to their injuries on Saturday, officials confirmed.
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Terrorists Trapped in 4-Day Clash
The prolonged operation underscores the challenges of combating well-entrenched militants in forested areas. As the gunfight continues, security forces remain on high alert, determined to neutralize the threat while bracing for further resistance.
Also Read: Operation Akhal: Epic 8-Day Terror Hunt Grips Kulgam
