Srinagar, Aug 7: The anti-militant operation in the Akhal forest area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered the seventh day on Thursday as the GOC-n-C of the Army’s northern command reviewed the counter-terrorism grid in south Kashmir districts.
The security operation in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district started last week after joint forces began a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the region following intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of terrorists there.
One militant was killed in the initial exchange of gunfire. Four army soldiers sustained injuries in the initial exchange of gunfire, and they were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Officials said on Thursday, “Operation Akhal continues, heavy firing and explosions heard throughout the night. The operation is expected to continue for the coming days and could be the longest in Kashmir in decades.”
Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma visited Devsar and reviewed the Counter-Terrorism Grid in South Kashmir, where he was briefed on the security situation, operational readiness, and ongoing operations.
The Army has deployed Rudra helicopters, drones and Para Commandos to ensure that the hiding militants are unable to escape.
Security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against the terrorists in the hinterland, while the Army has been on maximum alert guarding the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
