Summary
- Two Indian Army soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, lost their lives in the ongoing Anti-terror operation Kulgam.
- The encounter, one of the longest in recent years, is taking place in the dense Akhal forests with drones, helicopters, and para-commandos deployed.
- At least one terrorist has been neutralized, with intelligence suggesting the presence of highly trained foreign militants.
Escalating Tensions in the Akhal Forests
The Anti-terror operation Kulgam has now entered its ninth consecutive day, marking one of the most prolonged counter-terror efforts in Jammu & Kashmir’s recent history. The operation began on August 1, 2025, after the Army, police, and CRPF launched a joint offensive following credible intelligence of a large group of terrorists hiding in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district.
The operation’s pace has been dictated by the terrain: dense alpine forests and steep slopes that make every advance slow and dangerous. Army’s 15 Corps headquarters confirmed the death of two soldiers in a fierce overnight firefight. Both belonged to the Sikh Light Infantry attached to the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, known for their frontline counter-insurgency duties.
Officials reported that two more soldiers sustained injuries during the clash, adding to the ten previously wounded since the start of the Anti-terror operation Kulgam. In spite of these losses, the forces remain committed to flushing out the militants, who are believed to include at least three foreign nationals trained in jungle warfare.
Two Army soldiers were killed in action during close combat with terrorists in Kulgam, J&K, as the encounter enters Day 9.
— Zubair chowdhary (@ZubairChowdhary) August 9, 2025
One of the longest ongoing operations in recent times — terrorists are believed to be holed up in dense forest terrain.@LtGenDPPandey @PRODefSrinagar… pic.twitter.com/OzXmFUUXQH
Tactical Measures and Combat Challenges
- Security forces are using surveillance drones to locate hideouts and drop targeted explosives.
- Attack helicopters have been deployed to suppress terrorist fire and aid ground troop movement.
The Anti-terror operation Kulgam has tested the Indian Army’s adaptability in high-altitude and forest warfare. The militants are suspected to be using advanced camouflage techniques and possibly have pre-stocked supplies to withstand a long siege. Special Forces and para-commandos are leading the most dangerous advances, while regular infantry units maintain a cordon to prevent escape.
The Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhath, who is personally overseeing the operation on-site, acknowledged that the engagement is taking longer than usual due to the “difficult terrain and dense forest cover.” Yet, he emphasized that the cordon remains secure and eventual elimination of the remaining terrorists is inevitable.
In the first phase of the Anti-terror operation Kulgam, forces killed one local terrorist, but the remaining fighters are presumed to be foreign operatives. This increases the risk profile, as foreign-trained militants often have higher endurance and better tactical discipline.
Strategic Significance of the Encounter
- The Akhal forests are strategically located near infiltration routes from across the Line of Control.
- Long-duration encounters can disrupt terrorist supply chains and recruitment pipelines.
The Anti-terror operation Kulgam is more than just a firefight—it is a battle for dominance over a key transit corridor. Intelligence agencies believe this group may have crossed over from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir weeks earlier, establishing hideouts in the forest to plan high-impact strikes in the Valley.
The Army’s persistent presence in Akhal has also been aimed at deterring further infiltration. In the past, similar forest encounters in Kupwara and Poonch have led to substantial recovery of arms and intelligence materials. The use of drones to drop precision explosives marks a shift in tactics, reducing troop exposure to ambush fire.
Top Army and police commanders have made repeated visits to the Anti-terror operation Kulgam site, indicating the high-level importance placed on bringing it to a successful close.
Impact on Regional Security and Morale
- The loss of two soldiers has intensified public calls for stronger counter-terror action.
- The sustained operation underscores the evolving nature of militancy in the region.
Public sentiment in Punjab, home state of both martyred soldiers, has been one of grief but also pride in their sacrifice. The Anti-terror operation Kulgam has reinforced the challenges security forces face as militant groups adapt their methods. While the number of local militants has dropped significantly in recent years, the proportion of foreign fighters has increased, according to official statistics from the Jammu & Kashmir Police.
This shift means counter-terror missions now require longer deployment periods, more specialized training, and greater integration of technology in operations. The ongoing battle in Akhal is a case study in how such tactics are implemented on the ground, combining human intelligence, aerial surveillance, and coordinated assault units.
Lessons from Past Operations
The Anti-terror operation Kulgam follows closely after the high-profile Operation Mahadev, in which three Pakistani terrorists were killed in the Pahalgam sector. That mission, executed in July 2025, was lauded for its precision and intelligence-led planning. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed in Parliament that the Pahalgam attackers were responsible for the April 22 massacre that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Comparatively, the current Akhal engagement highlights how different terrains and enemy preparedness levels influence operational timelines. While Pahalgam’s success was swift, the Anti-terror operation Kulgam has turned into an endurance test for both sides.
Possible Outcomes and Future Security Measures
- Elimination of all militants in Akhal could restore security in the area for months to come.
- Prolonged operations may lead to more aggressive infiltration attempts elsewhere.
If the Anti-terror operation Kulgam concludes successfully, it will likely boost troop morale and send a strong deterrent signal to hostile elements across the border. However, security planners are also aware that a protracted engagement can drain resources and potentially leave other sectors temporarily vulnerable.
One probable consequence is the reinforcement of forest warfare training modules for troops stationed in Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, the sustained use of drones and rotary-wing assets in the Anti-terror operation Kulgam may become a standard feature of future counter-insurgency missions in forested terrains.
Final Perspective
The ninth day of the Anti-terror operation Kulgam stands as a testament to the resilience of Indian security forces operating in one of the most challenging combat environments in the subcontinent. The sacrifices of Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh underline the human cost of maintaining peace in the region.
While the difficult terrain has slowed progress, the determination of the troops and the integration of modern warfare tools ensure that the mission remains firmly on track. The Anti-terror operation Kulgam will be remembered not just for its duration, but for its strategic importance in shaping the next phase of counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
