Daijiworld Media Network – Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 9: Two Army soldiers were killed in close combat with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday as the ongoing encounter entered its ninth day, making it one of the longest anti-terror operations in recent years.

The Army’s 15 Corps headquarters paid tribute to the fallen soldiers — Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh — hailing their “supreme sacrifice” and expressing solidarity with their families. Two more soldiers were injured overnight, taking the total number of injured personnel in the operation to 10.

Hundreds of troops, including para-commandos, have been deployed in the dense alpine forests of Akhal, where the terrorists are believed to be entrenched. Security forces are using drones and attack helicopters to target suspected hideouts, while ground troops move cautiously under heavy gunfire and occasional explosions.

The operation began last Friday after the Army, police, and CRPF launched a joint offensive following intelligence about the presence of a large group of terrorists. In the initial exchange of fire, one local militant was killed. Police sources said the group initially comprised five terrorists, including at least three foreign operatives trained in jungle warfare.

J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhath, who is personally supervising the operation, acknowledged the challenging terrain but vowed to eliminate the militants. Top police and Army commanders have been regularly visiting the encounter site.

The Kulgam operation comes days after security forces killed three Pakistani terrorists in Srinagar’s upper reaches. Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament they were responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in which 26 people were killed.