Kulgam: Two terrorists have been killed and one injured as Operation Akhal entered its third day on Sunday, August 3, with fierce gunfire continuing between security forces and militants in the dense Akhal forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. One soldier has also sustained injuries in the ongoing exchange of fire.
One More Terrorist Neutralised
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army confirmed intense and “intermittent” firefights throughout the night, saying, “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact.” Security forces managed to eliminate another terrorist during the overnight exchange, bringing the toll to four.
The group under fire is believed to include at least four to five militants. One of the deceased terrorists has been identified as Haris Nazir Dar from Rajpora, Pulwama, according to the initial investigation. The condition of the injured terrorist remains unknown at this stage.
Intelligence-Based Operation
The operation was launched on Friday, August 1, after security forces received specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Akhal forest belt. A cordon and search operation was swiftly initiated by the forces, and firing began that same evening.
Following an initial exchange of fire, the operation was paused overnight. Reinforcements were called in, and the cordon was further tightened to prevent the terrorists from escaping the densely wooded terrain.
The encounter resumed early Saturday morning (August 2), resulting in the deaths of two terrorists. Another gunfight broke out overnight leading into Sunday, as forces pressed deeper into the forest zone, determined to flush out the remaining militants.
As of now, the operation remains active, with troops continuing to engage the remaining threat. The injured soldier is said to be in stable condition.
