“Operation still underway”
Srinagar: Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, officials said.
The overnight encounter began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.
On Friday evening, Kashmir Zone Police had posted on X: “Encounter has started at Akhal area of district Kugam. SOG, J&K Police, Army and CRPF on job. Further details shall follow.”
After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides on Friday evening, the operation was halted for the night, the officials said.
The cordon was strengthened, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area.
Firing resumed on Saturday morning, during which two terrorists were killed, the officials said.
Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X: “Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the day. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. Two terrorists have been neutralised so far. Operation Akhal continues.”
The identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained, they added, noting that the operation is still underway.
Meanwhile, a local news agency, KNO, quoting sources said that both slain terrorists are reportedly locals who had joined terrorist ranks two years ago. They were categorized as ‘C’ category terrorists.
Sources said that two more terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. “A clearer picture regarding their identity and status of the operation will emerge by Sunday,” the sources said.
A soldier sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and has been shifted to a medical facility where his condition is said to be stable.
Officials said that the thick forest cover and rugged terrain have posed challenges, but the area remains under tight security surveillance. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to seal all possible escape routes.
Drone surveillance, night vision equipment, and thermal imaging devices are being used to track movements in the dense foliage.
The operation has been paused for the night due to poor visibility, in line with security protocols, and will resume at dawn.
J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat visited the encounter site and reviewed the ongoing counter-terror operation.
Pertinently, ‘Operation Akhal’ is the third major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir within the past week. On Wednesday, two terrorists were killed during “Operation Shivshakti” in Poonch district near the Line of Control following an infiltration attempt. Earlier, on July 28, three Pakistani terrorists were eliminated during “Operation Mahadev” in the Lidwas forest near Harwan on the outskirts of Srinagar. Those terrorists were linked to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
