Operation Akhal: On Day 9, 2 Indian Army soldiers killed in encounter; 1 terrorist neutralised

Two Indian Army soldiers have died in action as Operation Akhal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered the ninth day on Saturday, marking it one of the longest anti-terror operations in the Valley.

Officials said two others were also injured in the overnight firing, taking the total number of injured to 10. Moreover, one terrorist has also been neutralised in the firing, said the Army.

The deceased soldiers have been identified as Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh. “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, 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.

OP AKHAL, Kulgam

Contact established in General Area Akhal, Kulgam. Joint Operation in progress.#Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA pic.twitter.com/d2cHZKiC61

— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) August 1, 2025

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The operation to flush out terrorists from the Valley, which has seen deployment of more than 100 troops, began on August 1 and continues even now — August 9. So far, as per an India Today report, a total of five terrorists have been killed in the operation.

Earlier, Operation Akhal was launched after specific inputs were received about the presence of terrorists in the area. According to police sources, there was information about the presence of five terrorists when the operation was launched. There are reports that at least three of them are foreign terrorists who appear to be well trained in jungle warfare.

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Since then, drones and helicopters are tracking the terrorists in the forested area, while soldiers locate and eliminate those in hiding.

Authorities note that the operation has taken so long as a result of the dense and difficult terrain, which includes thick foliage and caves. Nalin Prabhath, Director General of Police J&K who is personally supervising the operation, was also quoted as saying earlier, “Yes, it’s taking time because of the difficult terrain and forest area. But we will track them down.”

Owing the ongoing operation, residents of the adjoining villages evacuating their houses for safer locations. Authorities have appointed nodal officers to assist locals and coordinate in case of emergencies.

Anti-terror operations have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack on April 22 in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. Sources within the defence establishment note that around 20 high-profile terrorists have been eliminated after the April 22 attack.

With inputs from agencies