The ongoing anti-terror operation by security forces in the dense forest area of Akhal in Kulgam entered 8th day on Friday. It is one of the longest anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
A security official said the search operation entered the eighth day today.
He said there was an intermittent exchange of gunfire and heavy blasts in the forest area during the day.
Security forces have pressed drones, UAVs and helicopters into service to track down the terrorists in the rugged terrain in the forest area.
The elite para commandos were also assisting the security forces on the ground.
Sources said senior police and Army officers are monitoring the operation round-the-clock.
Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma also reviewed the security situation and counter-terrorism grid in South Kashmir, where he was also briefed on the ongoing operation.
Two terrorists are reported to have been killed and seven force personnel injured during the week-long operation. However, there has been no official confirmation so far.
The search operation was launched by security forces last Friday following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.
After an initial exchange of fire between the two sides on Friday last, the operation was halted for the night, but the cordon was strengthened, and additional reinforcements were rushed to the area, officials said.
This is the longest anti-terror operation in Kashmir so far this year and one of the longest ever in J&K in recent years.