J&K: Two Soldiers Killed in Ongoing Gunfight with Terrorists as Operation Akhal Marks Day 9

Two Soldiers Killed, 10 Injured as Operation Akhal in J&K Drags Into Day 9.

Two Indian Army personnel were killed and two others injured in an overnight gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Saturday. The total number of injured in the ongoing Operation Akhal has now risen to 10, making it one of the Valley’s longest-running anti-terror operations.

The martyred soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh.

“Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us,” the Chinar Corps said in a tribute, vowing to continue the operation.

Launched on August 1 after intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the Akhal forest, the operation has so far eliminated over five militants. Security forces believe at least three more Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives remain in the dense terrain, which includes thick foliage and natural cave hideouts.

Drones, helicopters, and Para commandos have been deployed, but the rugged landscape has slowed the offensive. Heavy exchanges of fire and explosions have forced local residents to evacuate, with nodal officers appointed for assistance.

The operation comes amid heightened counter-terror efforts after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Around 20 high-profile terrorists have been eliminated in multiple missions since then.