Kulgam Encounter: Two Soldiers Killed, At Least Five Terrorist Eliminated As Operation Akhal Enters Ninth Day

Security forces continued Operation Akhal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam for the ninth straight day on Saturday (9 August), engaging in an intense overnight gunfight that killed two soldiers and injured four others, reported India Today.

The encounter has now left a total of 10 security personnel injured since it began.

The fallen soldiers have been identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh.

“Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,” the Army tweeted.

The Army launched Operation Akhal on 1 August after receiving intelligence about terrorists hiding in the dense forest area of Akhal in South Kashmir.

So far, security forces have killed over five terrorists, with at least three more believed to be holed up in natural cave-like hideouts.

Troops, supported by drones, helicopters, and Para commandos, have maintained a tight cordon in the difficult terrain, facing heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists equipped with night-vision devices and long-range rifles.

Heavy firing and explosions have rocked the area since day one. Residents have started evacuating, with authorities appointing nodal officers to assist locals.

Security forces intensified operations in the Valley after the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians.

Since then, forces have eliminated about 20 high-profile terrorists in successive operations.

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