Two soldiers killed in Kulgam gunfight; one terrorist neutralised as security forces step up anti-terror operations in J&K

Two soldiers have lost their lives in an ongoing counter-terror operation in the Akhal Devsar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The joint security effort entered its ninth day on Friday. Officials confirmed the deaths of Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, both serving with the Indian Army.

The Chinar Corps, in a post on X, stated: "Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues."

Terrorist neutralised in Akhal

According to the Army, one terrorist has been killed during the ongoing gunfight. The operation is being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the Special Operations Group.

A week earlier, Chinar Corps had reported a night-long exchange of fire in the same area. Their statement on X read: "OP AKHAL, Kulgam. Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact." The post added, "One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues."

The Jammu and Kashmir Police searched 26 houses in Kishtwar district on Saturday, targeting the terror network in the area, according to officials.

The searches included the home of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Mohammad Amin Bhat, also known as "Jehangir Saroori."

According to officials, the raids focused on the homes of terrorists operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, who are allegedly involved in smuggling arms and ammunition.

These raids follow similar searches conducted at 15 locations in the nearby Doda district on Friday.

Officials stated that police teams carried out searches at 26 locations across Kishtwar district.

"The properties raided include Bhat's house, who had joined the proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen in the 1990s and is considered the longest surviving terrorist."

Weapons recovered in Baramulla hideout raid

In a separate development, Baramulla Police discovered a terrorist hideout in the Gogaldara-Danwas forest on Thursday. Acting on specific intelligence, police recovered a pistol, a magazine, nine rounds of ammunition, a grenade, and medical supplies.

Baramulla Police posted on X: "On a specific input in the Gogaldara-Danwas forest, Baramulla Police busted a terrorist hideout. Recovered: 1 Pistol, 1 Mag, nine rounds, one grenade & medical supplies. FIR registered at PS Tangmarg. Investigation underway." An investigation is ongoing, with further details expected.

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Earlier clash at LoC in Poonch

On 30 July, two suspected terrorists were killed in the Poonch sector by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps while attempting to cross the Line of Control. The Army said the attempt was foiled during heightened surveillance in the area.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been conducting intensified anti-terror operations across multiple districts in recent weeks. Officials say the recoveries from Baramulla, the infiltration attempt in Poonch, and the prolonged engagement in Kulgam reflect a sustained push by militant groups to operate in the region. Operations in Akhal Devsar are still underway, with forces maintaining tight cordon and search measures.

(With inputs from ANI)