KULGAM, Jammu and Kashmir – A terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces during “Operation Akhal” in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army confirmed the neutralization of one terrorist on Saturday morning, adding that the operation in the region is still underway.
The encounter, which began on Friday evening in the Akhal forest area of Devsar in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, has seen “intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night,” according to a post by the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army on its official X handle. “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” the post further stated.
OP AKHAL, Kulgam
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) August 1, 2025
Contact established in General Area Akhal, Kulgam. Joint Operation in progress.#Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/d2cHZKiC61
The joint anti-terror operation involves personnel from the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the forested area based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. The search operation quickly turned into a gunfight after the hiding militants opened fire on the security personnel, who retaliated effectively.
Officials indicated that two to three terrorists, possibly foreign nationals, might be involved in the gunfight, and the operation continues to track down any remaining militants. The operation in Akhal is part of intensified counter-terrorism efforts across Jammu and Kashmir, following recent incidents and other operations like “Operation Sindoor” and “Operation Mahadev,” which targeted terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack.