Security Forces Eliminate Terrorist in Kulgam Encounter
Counterterrorism Operation in Kulgam
A coordinated effort by security forces led to the neutralization of a terrorist during an ongoing encounter in the Akhal forest area of the Devsar locality in Kulgam district. This operation is part of a broader counterterrorism strategy, which includes the recent Operation Mahadev, and involves a collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The encounter commenced on Friday evening after receiving reliable intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the heavily wooded area. During a cordon and search operation, security forces faced gunfire from the terrorists, leading to a quick and effective response that resulted in the death of one terrorist. The body of the deceased terrorist has not yet been recovered as the operation continues.
Earlier this week, security forces successfully eliminated three terrorists associated with the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed their links to the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, with one of the slain terrorists, Suleiman, identified as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack.
In a related incident, just days before the Kulgam encounter, security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, resulting in the death of two terrorists attempting to cross into the Jammu region.