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In a joint counter-terror operation codenamed “Operation Akhal”, Indian security forces—comprising the Army’s Chinar Corps, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, and the CRPF—launched a cordon-and-search operation in the dense Akhal forest region of Kulgam district on the evening of August 1, 2025. This followed specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.
🌙 Overnight Encounter & Outcome
As the search operation commenced, contact was made with the suspected terrorists, turning the operation into a gunfight that lasted through the night. According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, troops responded with calibrated fire, tightened the noose, and maintained battlefield contact throughout. As of early August 2, one terrorist has been confirmed neutralized while the operation continues to target additional suspects believed to be trapped.
Authorities suspect that 3–4 militants remain trapped in the cordoned area, and reinforcements—along with aerial surveillance—have been deployed to prevent any escape.
🧭 Background & Strategic Context
Operation Akhal marks the third major anti-terrorist engagement in Jammu & Kashmir within the past week. Earlier operations eliminated three Pakistani terrorists linked to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre and two infiltrators near the Line of Control in Poonch.
One of the earlier operations, Operation Mahadev, successfully neutralized Suleiman Shah (also known as Hashim Musa), the alleged mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, along with associates, near Dachigam on July 28.
👥 Forces Involved
Chinar Corps (Indian Army): Leading ground engagement and direct confrontation.
J&K Police’s SOG: Specialized in counterterrorism, focusing on high-risk terrain and militant hideouts.
CRPF: Reinforcement and perimeter control to contain militants and secure evacuation routes.
(This news is written by Newsroom staff based on factual news reports from verified sources like NDTV, Times of India, and The New Indian Express)
