A high-intensity anti-terror operation named “Operation Akhal” is currently underway in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, marking one of the most prolonged gun battles in the region in recent months. Launched jointly by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police Special Operations Group (SOG), the operation entered its third day today. So far, three terrorists have been neutralized, with combing and search operations ongoing amid dense forest terrain.
Operation Akhal: Intense Anti-Terror Operation Enters Day 3 in Kulgam, J&K
Genesis of the Operation
The operation began late on the evening of August 1, 2025, after intelligence agencies received credible inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists holed up in the Akhal forest belt, a strategic region that has long been used by insurgents as a transit and hiding point.
As security forces moved in, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce gunfight. The initial contact marked the beginning of an intense and sustained encounter that would stretch across days, terrain, and tactical engagement.
Day-wise Breakdown of the Encounter
Day 1 (August 1):
The operation commenced with a massive cordon-and-search effort. Contact was established with the militants late at night. Two terrorists were killed in the initial exchange of fire. Their identities and affiliations are currently under verification.
Day 2 (August 2):
Gunfire resumed intermittently throughout the night. The terrain’s challenges—dense forests, deep crevices, and limited visibility—slowed down the operation. During this phase, a soldier sustained injuries, but continued to support the operation. Security forces maintained perimeter security while using thermal imaging to locate additional terrorists.
Day 3 (August 3):
Fresh firing resumed early morning as security forces zeroed in on another militant hiding spot. One more terrorist was neutralized, bringing the total number of deaths to three. Reports indicate that a fourth militant might still be hiding in the area.
Forces on Ground
The multi-agency force leading the operation includes:
Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, under the Chinar Corps
Jammu & Kashmir Police SOG (Special Operations Group)
CRPF’s elite QAT (Quick Action Teams)
These teams are equipped with drones, thermal imagers, night vision scopes, and GPS-based trackers to handle the unique challenges posed by the Akhal forest terrain.
Official Statements and Social Media Updates
Chinar Corps – Indian Army
“Contact established in General Area Akhal, Kulgam. Joint Operation in progress.” — Posted on X, Aug 1
Kashmir Zone Police
“Encounter has started in Akhal area. Army, SOG & CRPF are on the job. Further details shall follow.” — Posted on X, Aug 1
Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul
“#BREAKING: Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in Akhal area of Kulgam in South Kashmir. 3 terrorists are likely trapped.” — Posted on X
Strategic Importance of Akhal, Kulgam
Kulgam lies in South Kashmir, a historically sensitive area with proximity to infiltration routes from across the Line of Control (LoC). The Akhal forest area specifically has served as a staging ground for terror modules, given its complex terrain, low visibility, and access to nearby villages.
This region is also under constant surveillance due to its nearness to national highways, making it a potential launchpad for attacks on military convoys and pilgrims—particularly concerning during Amarnath Yatra and Independence Day security build-ups.
Civilian Safety Measures
As a precaution, the district administration has:
Suspended mobile internet services in parts of Kulgam
Closed local schools near the operation site
Imposed restrictions on civilian movement in surrounding areas
No civilian casualties have been reported so far, underscoring the careful strategy adopted by the joint forces to minimize collateral damage.
Intelligence & Terrorist Affiliations
Preliminary inputs suggest that the neutralized terrorists were part of a Pakistan-backed terror outfit, most likely Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Weapons recovered include:
AK-series rifles
Hand grenades
Radio communication devices
Night-vision goggles
The bodies are being sent for forensic analysis and DNA identification, and their digital devices have been secured for intelligence extraction.
National Reactions
Defence Ministry: Commended the forces for surgical precision and emphasized zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism.
Union Home Minister: Held a high-level review meeting and stated, “Every attempt to destabilize Kashmir will be dealt with iron resolve.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor’s Office: Issued a statement praising the joint action and reaffirmed commitment to peace in the region.
The Bigger Picture: Terror in 2025
So far in 2025, over 40 terrorists have been killed in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir. Operation Akhal is one among a series of offensives carried out this year, demonstrating a renewed counter-terror push by Indian security forces under Operation All-Out 2.0, targeting both active terrorists and overground workers (OGWs).
What Lies Ahead?
While three terrorists have been eliminated, intelligence suggests that a few more may still be hiding in the Akhal region. The operation will continue until the entire area is sanitized.
Meanwhile, forces remain on high alert, especially in Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag, where sleeper cells are believed to be active.
Conclusion
Operation Akhal has become a significant counter-insurgency event in Kashmir this year, highlighting the precision, coordination, and resilience of Indian security forces. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on neutralizing the remaining threats while ensuring safety for local civilians.
With the region on alert ahead of August 15, the success of such operations is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the Union Territory.
