2 Soldiers Killed in Gunfight During Op Akhal in J&K’s Kulgam

2 Soldiers Killed in Gunfight During Op Akhal: Two army soldiers were killed in action during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday.

This is one of the longest encounters between terrorists and security forces in J&K in recent times as terrorists seem to be well entrenched in a forest area.

"Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues" Army's 15 Corps headquarters said in a post on X.

One terrorist has been killed so far in the operation. Nearly a week ago, one terrorist was killed in a gunfight that continued overnight in Akhal area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Chinar Corps had said.

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The joint operation is being carried out by Indian Army, J&K police, CRPF and SOG.

In a post on X, Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said, "OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact."

More than five terrorists have been killed in the operation which began on August 1 after security forces launched a cordon and search in a forest area at Akhal in south Kashmir district, following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

Top police and army commanders are visiting the encounter site regularly to monitor the operation.

"Yes, it's taking time because of the difficult terrain and forest area. But we will track them down," said Nalin Prabhath, Director General of Police J&K who is personally supervising the operation.

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The area has witnessed intense firing and explosions since the start of the operation and continues to do so through the night and day as Army is engaging heavily armed and well trained Lashkar-e-Taiba militants equipped with night vision devices and long range rifles.

Residents of Akhal village have started evacuating to safer locations, children and women are particularly traumatised by the continuous firing and blasts. Authorities have appointed nodal officers to assist locals and coordinate in case of emergencies.

Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in J&K after Pahalgam terrorist attacks of April 22 in which Pakistan based terrorists killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

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