Srinagar: The ongoing anti-terror operation in the dense forests of Akhal, Kulgam has entered its ninth day with the situation intensifying after two soldiers of the Indian Army were martyred and two others injured in fresh exchange of fire with terrorists overnight.
Official sources confirmed that four soldiers from 19 Rashtriya Rifles sustained injuries late Thursday night during a fierce gun battle with hiding terrorists. Two among them Ct. Harmender Singh and L/Nk Preetpal Singh later succumbed to their injuries, adding to the toll of this protracted operation.
The two injured soldiers have been identified as Ct/Gd Gurchain Singh, who sustained a hand injury, and JCO Narender Singhal so with a hand wound. Both are undergoing treatment and are reportedly stable.
The exchange of fire reportedly continued throughout the night as security forces intensified their efforts to neutralize the remaining terrorists holed up deep within the forest. Despite the rugged terrain and thick vegetation, the forces are using drones, UAVs, and night-vision surveillance to track movements and prevent escape.
This has become the longest-running anti-terror operation in Kashmir in recent years, beginning on August 1 after intelligence inputs about militant presence in the area. On the first day, one terrorist was killed and *four army personnel were injured
Officials have stated that due to the vastness and complexity of the forest terrain, the operation is expected to continue for more days. Elite PARA commandos, Rashtriya Rifles, J&K Police, and CRPF are jointly carrying out the operation with extreme caution to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safety of civilians in surrounding areas.
The Akhal operation underscores the evolving security challenges in South Kashmir, where terrorist elements continue to exploit tough terrains to evade detection.
