The anti-terrorist operation launched in the dense Akhal forest region of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has entered its seventh day, making it one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Valley in recent years.
The operation began last week after joint forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) following credible intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. One local terrorist was neutralised and another was injured during the initial gunfight. Four Army soldiers were also injured and are undergoing treatment.
&ldquo;Operation Akhal continues. Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight,&rdquo; an official said, adding that the operation may continue further.
Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma visited Devsar and reviewed the counter-terror grid in South Kashmir. He was briefed on the ongoing operations and the region&rsquo;s security preparedness.
The Army has deployed Rudra attack helicopters, drones, and Para Commandos to prevent the terrorists from escaping the forested terrain.
This comes amid a wider security crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 28, the Army killed three hardcore Pakistani terrorists in Dachigam National Park as part of Operation Mahadev. The terrorists, including LeT commander Suleman Shah, were behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
Security forces are not only targeting armed terrorists but also focusing on dismantling the wider support ecosystem, including overground workers (OGWs), drug peddlers, and hawala funding networks suspected of sustaining terrorism in the region.
Joint forces remain on maximum alert across the LoC and hinterland as they continue coordinated, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism efforts.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Army intensifies search in Kulgam forests as Operation Akhal continues for seventh day

Kulgam Anti-Terror Op Enters 7th Day

Army intensifies search in Kulgam forests as Operation Akhal continues for seventh day

August 7, 2025 | 16:34 IST