What is the Status of the Ongoing Anti-Terrorist Operation in J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The anti-terrorist operation in J&K has lasted for 9 days.
- Intense firefights continue in Kulgam district.
- One local terrorist has been neutralized, and several soldiers have been injured.
- Security forces aim to dismantle the entire terrorism ecosystem.
- Operation Mahadev targets terrorists linked to recent attacks.
Srinagar, Aug 9 (NationPress) The protracted anti-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has now reached its 9th day as of Saturday. The Indian Army reported that intense firing and explosions were reported throughout the night in the Akhal Devsar forest located in the Kulgam district.
An Army spokesperson announced on Saturday, “The Kulgam encounter has entered its 9th day, with reports of intense explosions and gunfire throughout the night. Some updates have emerged from the operation, which will be disclosed once verified.”
The Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, has been closely overseeing the operation in collaboration with both the Army and the CRPF. This was his fifth visit to the area as of Friday.
Joint forces comprising the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police initiated a Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) in the region last Friday.
During the initial exchange of gunfire, one terrorist was neutralized, and seven Army personnel sustained injuries. The deceased terrorist was identified as a local, and the injured soldiers have been transported to the hospital for medical attention.
The Army has deployed Rudra helicopters, drones, and Para commandos to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
Security forces are actively conducting operations against terrorists in the hinterland while the Army remains on high alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.
The elimination of three notorious Pakistani terrorists linked to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, is part of the ongoing aggressive operations.
These three hardcore Pakistani terrorists, including LeT commander Suleman Shah along with his associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai, were killed on July 28 in the elevated regions of Dachigam National Park at the base of Mahadev Mountain Peak in the Harwan area of Srinagar.
The Army has designated this mission as ‘Operation Mahadev’.
Following the Pahalgam attack, security forces are conducting anti-terror operations against armed terrorists, their overground networks, and sympathizers.
Drug smugglers and peddlers are also being targeted, as it is believed that profits from hawala operations and drug trafficking are ultimately used to finance terrorism in J&K.
The coordinated and intelligence-driven efforts of the joint forces aim to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism in J&K, rather than focusing solely on the elimination of armed terrorists.