Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in an overnight encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said Saturday, as Operation Akhal entered its ninth day.
The latest casualties bring the total number of injured security personnel to 10 in one of the Kashmir Valley’s longest-running anti-terror operations.
More than five terrorists have been killed since the gunfight began on August 1st, when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forested area at Akhal in south Kashmir following specific intelligence about the presence of militants.
Army sources said at least three terrorists are still believed to be hiding in the dense forest, using natural cave-like hideouts for cover. Security forces have maintained a tight cordon and are continuing to engage the militants in the thickly wooded terrain.
Drones and helicopters have been deployed to track down the hiding terrorists, while Para commandos are assisting in the operation. The Army is confronting heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba militants equipped with night-vision devices and long-range rifles.
The area has witnessed intense firing and explosions since the start of the operation, with exchanges continuing through the day and night.
Residents of Akhal village have begun evacuating to safer locations, with women and children particularly traumatised by the relentless gunfire and blasts. Authorities have appointed nodal officers to assist locals and coordinate emergency responses as the operation continues.
Follow us
