Kulgam (J&K): Two soldiers lost their lives in an intense gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district as the ongoing anti-terror operation, codenamed ‘Op Akhal’, entered its ninth day, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday.
According to officials, the encounter — which began on August 1 following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the Akhal forest area — has seen relentless action, with security forces employing drones, helicopters, and advanced surveillance equipment to track and neutralise the militants.
Four soldiers were injured in the overnight exchange of fire. Despite being evacuated for treatment, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh succumbed to their injuries.
“Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts… Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us,” the Army posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Security forces say the terrorists are equipped with sophisticated weapons and remain holed up in the hilly terrain. Intermittent firing continued on Saturday as the combing operation moved deeper into the forest zone.
Officials added that the operation will continue “till the last terrorist is eliminated,” stressing that the rugged terrain and dense vegetation have made the mission particularly challenging.
The encounter marks one of the longest-running anti-terror operations in the Valley this year.
