Operation Akhal: Security forces eliminate one terrorist in Kulgam amidst fierce gunfight

Security forces have gunned down a terrorist in the ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam. Forces launched Operation Akhal in the forest areas of the district on Friday night after they established contact with two-three terrorists camping in the region.

Authorities said intense exchange of fire continued throughout the night. "Intermittent and Intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues," Chinar Corps of Indian Army said in a post on X. 

Security personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indian Army, launched a search and cordon operation in Akhal forest area based on intelligence inputs on Friday. The search operation was launched after security forces were tipped about the presence of two-three terrorists camping in the region. 

The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding terrorists opened fire at the forces, who retaliated, a senior official told PTI. Security forces have cordoned off the area and the operation is continuing to track down remaining terrorists.

The Akhal operation comes two days after Operation Mahadev, in which security forces killed three foreign terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Harwan area near the Dachigam National Park in Srinagar. The terrorists - Suleiman, Afghani and Jibran - were killed while a discussion was underway in Parliament on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.