ibn sultan
Srinagar- The encounter between security forces and militants in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its fourth day on Monday, with intermittent firing and occasional blasts reported overnight, officials said.
Sources said the operation, which began on Friday, is being conducted in difficult forest terrain, making progress slow and cautious.
So far, one militant has been killed, and his body has been recovered from the site, while three Army personnel have sustained injuries during the exchange of fire, reported news agency Kashmir News Corner.
Officials said that the security forces have deployed Rudra attack helicopters, drones, and elite Para Special Forces to track down the hiding militants.
“The cordon has been further tightened, and all entry and exit points leading to the area have been sealed,” an official said, adding that the operation is being monitored at the highest level by senior Army and police officials on the ground.
The extended encounter has drawn in additional reinforcements as security forces continue their search for the remaining terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forest area. “The terrain is highly treacherous, which is slowing down the advance, but the operation will continue until the area is fully sanitized,” the official added.
Further details are awaited as the operation remains underway.
