A fierce gunfight is currently underway in the Akhal Devsar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district between security forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists under Operation Akhal. The encounter began earlier today during a joint counter-terrorism operation launched by the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
According to security officials, the operation was initiated following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the dense Akhal forest region. During the search operation, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the advancing troops, triggering a retaliatory gun battle.
Initial reports suggest that two to three heavily armed LeT operatives are currently trapped and engaged in a firefight with the security personnel. The area has been cordoned off, and reinforcements have been rushed in to prevent any escape and to ensure the safety of civilians in nearby villages.
The ongoing operation underscores the continued threat posed by Pakistan-backed terror outfits in the Kashmir Valley, even as security forces maintain heightened vigilance in the region. More details are awaited as the encounter progresses.