Kulgam, Aug 11: The prolonged anti-terror operation in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its 11th day on Monday, with a brief lull in firing reported since morning.
Security forces remain on high alert as the search operation continues in the thickly forested and mountainous terrain.
Officials said that a multi-layer security cordon has been in place to prevent the escape of any terrorists believed to be holed up in the area.
The dense vegetation and steep slopes have posed huge challenges. Specialised search teams, including personnel from the Army, CRPF and J&K Police, are combing suspected hideouts.
Sources said that forces have been conducting systematic searches in multiple phases, moving sector by sector to clear the vast forest zone and to plug possible escape routes, particularly towards adjoining villages and higher ridges.
“Given the complexity of the terrain and the possibility of terrorists shifting positions during the night, forces are advancing cautiously to avoid casualties and ensure no area is left unchecked,” they said.
The operation, which was launched on August 1 following specific intelligence inputs, has witnessed multiple intermittent exchanges of fire.
So far, at least one terrorist has been killed, while two soldiers have lost their lives in the line of duty. More than a dozen security personnel have sustained injuries during the intense gunfights.
Officials said the prolonged nature of the encounter indicates the terrorists are well-entrenched, using natural caves, thick foliage and shifting positions to evade the cordon. (KNO)
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