Srinagar, August 10: The anti-terror operation in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir entered its 10th day on Sunday as security forces intensified efforts to trap militants hiding in the Akhal forest area.
“The operation is still in progress. Security forces are trying to close in on the positions of the hiding ultras,” an official said, adding that the militants appear highly trained in jungle warfare and are exploiting dense foliage to evade drone surveillance.
The encounter, which began on August 1, has claimed the lives of two Army soldiers and left nine others injured. Security forces have so far killed two terrorists, whose identity and group affiliation are yet to be confirmed.
Officials said this is the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley in recent years. Senior officers, including J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, are monitoring developments round-the-clock.
The forces have deployed drones, helicopters, and Para commandos to locate and neutralise the remaining militants. The thick forest cover, however, continues to pose significant operational challenges. (Agencies)
