The anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, codenamed Operation Akhal, has entered its 10th day on August 10, 2025, making it one of the longest anti-terror engagements in the Kashmir Valley in recent years. Initiated on August 1 in the dense Akhal forest area of South Kashmir, the operation targets a group of heavily armed terrorists believed to be highly trained in jungle warfare, leveraging the region’s thick foliage and rugged terrain to evade advanced surveillance technologies.
The operation began following specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Akhal area. A joint effort by the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon-and-search mission, leading to an initial exchange of fire on August 1. The operation was paused overnight, with the cordon strengthened and additional reinforcements deployed. On August 2, intermittent firefights resumed, resulting in the neutralization of two terrorists, though their identities and group affiliations remain unconfirmed.
The ongoing standoff has proven challenging due to the terrorists’ expertise in guerrilla tactics and the dense forest cover, which has hindered detection by drones equipped with thermal imaging and helicopters deployed for aerial surveillance. Security forces, including elite Para Commandos, have intensified efforts to close in on the terrorists’ positions, maintaining a tight cordon to prevent escape. Despite these measures, the terrorists’ ability to exploit the terrain has prolonged the operation, with intermittent exchanges of fire reported as recently as August 8.
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Tragically, the operation has come at a significant cost. Two Indian Army soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, lost their lives in an overnight gunfight, with the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps paying tribute to their sacrifice on August 9. Nine other security personnel, including four critically injured on August 8, have been wounded since the operation began, bringing the total number of injured to 11. The Chinar Corps expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, stating, “Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us.”
Senior officials are closely monitoring the operation. Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Nalin Prabhat visited the site on August 7 to assess the situation, while the Army’s Northern Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir, receiving detailed briefings on the ongoing efforts. The operation’s scale, involving hundreds of troops and advanced technology, underscores its significance as one of the largest anti-terror efforts in the region.
Reports suggest that the security forces initially received intelligence about five terrorists, including three suspected foreign operatives well-versed in jungle warfare. The operation follows other recent successes, such as the elimination of three terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, indicating a broader push to dismantle terrorist networks in the region.
As the operation continues, security forces remain vigilant, determined to neutralize the remaining terrorists and restore peace to the Kulgam district. The prolonged nature of the encounter highlights the complexities of combating terrorism in challenging terrains, with the nation honoring the bravery of its fallen soldiers.
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