J&K: Two Soldiers Martyred in Terrorist Gunfight as Operation Akhal Enters Day 9

Two Soldiers Martyred, 10 Injured as Operation Akhal in J&K Enters Day 9.

Two Indian Army soldiers were martyred and two others injured in an overnight encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Saturday, as the massive Operation Akhal entered its ninth day. The total number of injured security personnel in this operation has now reached 10, making it one of the valley’s longest-running anti-terror offensives in recent years.

The fallen soldiers have been identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh.

“Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts in the line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. The Indian Army expresses its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,” the Army posted on X.

Since the operation began on August 1, over five terrorists have been killed. Security agencies believe at least three more heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives remain holed up in the dense Akhal forests, using natural caves as hideouts.

The rugged terrain—with thick foliage, natural caves, and limited visibility—has prolonged the gunfight. Drones, helicopters, and Para commandos are being deployed to locate and neutralise the militants, who are reportedly equipped with night-vision devices and long-range rifles.

Intense gunfire and explosions have echoed through the area for days, forcing residents of Akhal village to evacuate to safer locations. Nodal officers have been appointed to assist locals in case of emergencies.

Operation Akhal follows a series of intensified anti-terror actions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. Since then, around 20 high-profile terrorists have been eliminated in multiple operations, including Operation Mahadev and Operation Shiv Shakti.