A major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has entered its fourth day, with security forces utilizing drones and helicopters for aerial surveillance to track down terrorists. The operation, which began on Friday in the dense forest area of Akhal in south Kashmir, was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
Security forces, including the Army, police, and CRPF, have cordoned off the area and tightened the noose around the militants. Additional reinforcements, including special Army units and elite Para commandos, have been deployed to counter the terrorists, who are reportedly using automatic weapons.
The challenging terrain and dense forest have made the operation difficult. Security forces are treading cautiously as the terrorists appear to be well entrenched. Drones and helicopters are being used to locate the positions of the hiding terrorists and maintain aerial surveillance over the area. Thermal imaging devices are also being used to detect movements deep inside the forested terrain. In one instance, a drone was used to drop a grenade on the terrorists. Rudra helicopters have also been deployed.
Intermittent firing and explosions have been heard from the operation site since Friday. According to officials, gunfire was heard again on Sunday, suggesting that terrorists may still be holed up in the dense forested area. The security forces suspect that three to four terrorists could still be hiding at the encounter site.
So far, three terrorists have been killed, and their bodies have been recovered. However, the body of another slain terrorist has not yet been retrieved due to the ongoing gun battle and difficult terrain. Four soldiers have sustained injuries during the operation.
Senior officials from security agencies are closely monitoring the operation. Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava visited Akhal, Kulgam, on Sunday to review the operation's progress. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat had also visited Kulgam on Saturday.
The anti-terror operation in Kulgam is one of the longest and most intense operations in the region in recent times, marked by relentless exchange of gunfire.
