One terrorist killed, three soldiers injured; elite forces, drones, helicopters in action
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)The encounter between security forces and terrorists in the dense forests of Akhal in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its fourth day on Monday, with intermittent firing and loud explosions continuing through the night. Officials confirmed that one terrorist has been killed so far, while three Army personnel have sustained injuries in the prolonged operation.
The gunfight, which broke out on Friday, is taking place in a highly difficult and forested terrain, significantly hampering the pace of the search and sanitization efforts. Security officials described the area as treacherous, with thick vegetation, uneven ground, and potential natural cover being exploited by the terrorists.
Top-level sources said that the operation is being monitored closely at the highest levels, with senior officers from the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police stationed on-site to oversee developments. “Given the nature of the terrain and the possibility of multiple terrorists hiding in the area, the approach has been cautious but firm,” one senior official said.
In a significant show of force, the security establishment has deployed advanced aerial assets including Rudra attack helicopters, high-altitude drones, and elite Para Special Forces, all aimed at flushing out the remaining terrorists believed to be holed up in the dense forest area.
“All possible entry and exit points in and around the forest belt have been sealed. The cordon has been reinforced to ensure no escape is possible,” the official added. Troops are using heat-sensing technology and night-vision equipment to detect movement in the thick canopy.
The lone terrorist killed in the encounter so far is yet to be formally identified. His body has been recovered and sent for medico-legal procedures. Security forces suspect that the group engaged in the encounter may include foreign militants, possibly affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), though official confirmation is awaited.
The injured soldiers, all part of the initial assault team, have been shifted to a military hospital and are said to be stable.
The Akhal operation comes in the wake of increased militant activity in South Kashmir over the past few weeks. Earlier this month, inputs had pointed to the movement of a heavily armed group in the Kulgam–Anantnag forest belt, prompting heightened surveillance and eventual launch of the search operation that led to the current encounter.
While the operation is still in progress, officials stressed that security forces are proceeding carefully to avoid casualties and collateral damage. “The objective is to ensure the area is completely sanitized, and no terrorist presence remains,” the officer added.
The extended duration of the gunbattle reflects the tactical challenges posed by forest encounters — where visibility is limited, and the adversary often enjoys natural camouflage.
As of now, reinforcements remain on standby, and combing operations are ongoing in the adjacent stretches of the forest. Further details are expected as the operation continues(DD)
