- Operation Akhal continues in Kulgam for the fourth consecutive day.
- Two terrorists killed; four soldiers injured in intense gunfight.
- Security forces use drones, helicopters in dense forest terrain.
A high-stakes anti-terror operation, codenamed Operation Akhal, has entered its fourth day in the Akhal forest region of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Dense forest cover, challenging topography, and the presence of foreign-trained terrorists have slowed down the search efforts. Despite this, the forces have maintained a tight perimeter, using thermal imaging drones and attack helicopters to monitor movement.
Forest Clash in Kulgam: Day 4 of Operation Akhal Sees Steady Progress Amid Resistance
Top police officials including IGP Kashmir VK Birdi have confirmed visual confirmation of a second terrorist body, although retrieval remains difficult due to heavy gunfire and booby-trapped zones. The operation is being personally supervised by senior officials on ground, with real-time coordination between ground forces and aerial units.
This is the third such operation in Kashmir in just one week, underscoring a recent surge in terrorist infiltration attempts. Just days earlier, three militants linked to the brutal Pahalgam massacre were eliminated in a separate operation, highlighting the persistent threat from cross-border groups.
The use of advanced surveillance tools such as Rudra helicopters and quadcopter drones has significantly improved tactical response. These technologies enable security forces to maintain a visual on militants despite natural cover and foggy weather conditions in the high-altitude zone.
As per defense sources, the resistance appears to be led by foreign militants with specialized training in jungle warfare, indicating a shift in tactics by terror groups. Local militant recruitment has diminished, forcing groups to rely on external operatives for high-risk missions.
The ongoing operation in Kulgam reflects both the evolving nature of militancy and the increasing precision of India’s counter-insurgency strategies.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
