Overview

• Security forces launched Operation Akhal on August 1 in Kulgam’s dense Akhal forest after receiving precise intelligence about terrorist hideouts.
• The joint mission involves the Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group and escalated from a cordon-and-search into sustained firefights.
• Chinar Corps confirmed that one terrorist was neutralized overnight; some officials contend up to two militants may have been killed by Saturday morning.
• Officials report two to three foreign-linked terrorists remain engaged in the gunfight as reinforcements strengthen the perimeter.
• Operation Akhal follows successive intelligence-led missions including Operation Mahadev and Operation ShivShakti aimed at thwarting infiltrations along the Line of Control.