The Chinar Corps confirmed ongoing gunfire through the night as troops launched a precise and controlled operation in the forested Devsar region of south Kashmir.
BY PC Bureau
August 2, 2025: Indian security forces have killed one terrorist in an ongoing encounter in the Akhal forest area of Devsar, located in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials confirmed Saturday. The gunfight, which broke out late Friday night, has continued into the weekend, with intermittent and intense firing exchanged between the two sides.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the encounter began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the dense forest zone of Akhal based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed militants.
During the initial sweep of the area, terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops. The security forces responded with retaliatory fire, triggering a fierce overnight engagement.
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“Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
As of Saturday morning, one terrorist has been neutralized. His identity and group affiliation are yet to be officially confirmed, although sources indicate he may belong to a Pakistan-backed outfit.
Morning Good News 🔥🔥
Operation AKHAL: One Terrorist Killed in Ongoing Encounter With Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam pic.twitter.com/mCHHvBwKZC
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) August 2, 2025
Security forces have further strengthened the cordon, sealing all possible escape routes in the rugged terrain. Additional reinforcements, including personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and SOG (Special Operations Group), have been deployed to the area to prevent any movement and to support the ongoing operation.
Drones and night vision devices are reportedly being used to monitor movement inside the forest as at least one more terrorist is believed to be holed up.
A senior police official in south Kashmir told reporters: “We are taking all precautions given the forested and undulating terrain. The operation will continue until all threats are neutralized. There is no casualty on the side of the forces so far.”
The encounter in Kulgam comes amid heightened vigil across the Kashmir Valley following increased movement by terrorist groups in southern districts, particularly Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag.
The Akhal forest area, which borders civilian habitations and opens into a mountainous zone, has occasionally been used as a transit and hideout by militants operating along the Pir Panjal ranges.
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Security agencies have in recent weeks warned of attempts by terror handlers across the Line of Control (LoC) to revive terrorism in south Kashmir using small, highly mobile groups who blend into forested and rural environments.
The Chinar Corps’ official handle posted updates using the tag #Kashmir, reaffirming the Indian Army’s ongoing vigilance in the region. The post read:
“Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam — Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA”
Authorities have urged residents in nearby villages to stay indoors and not to approach the operation site until it is fully sanitized. So far, no civilian injuries or damage to property have been reported.
The operation remains active and fluid, with officials warning that further contact is expected as forces close in on remaining terrorists, if any.
