Two Indian Army soldiers lost their lives during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday night. The army confirmed the casualties on Saturday. Two other soldiers sustained injuries in the ongoing anti-terror operation.

So far, one terrorist has been killed since the encounter began on August 1.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted on X, "Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues."

Update: OP AKHAL, Kulgam

Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stand in… pic.twitter.com/La4i49Ov2h

— Chinar Corps🍁 - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) August 9, 2025

Longest Operation in the Valley in Recent Times

Officials said the gunfight has now entered its ninth day, making it one of the longest anti-terror operations in the valley in recent years.

Senior police and army officers are regularly visiting the site to monitor progress. Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhath, who is personally supervising the mission, said, "Yes, it's taking time because of the difficult terrain and forest area. But we will track them down."

How the Encounter Began

The operation started on August 1 when security forces launched a cordon and search mission in a forested area at Akhal, in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. This followed specific intelligence about terrorist movement.

An initial exchange of fire broke out last Friday. The operation was paused overnight, but the forces strengthened the cordon and called in reinforcements. When firing resumed the next day, one terrorist was killed. His identity and group affiliation remain unknown.

Use of Advanced Surveillance and Elite Forces

Security forces have maintained a strict cordon and are battling terrorists hiding in dense forest cover. Drones and helicopters are being used to track their positions. Para commandos have joined the mission to help neutralise the threats.

Police sources said initial intelligence indicated the presence of five terrorists in the area, including at least three foreigners trained in jungle warfare. Officials noted that very few local terrorists remain in Kashmir with such advanced training.

Part of Larger Counter-Terror Efforts

This encounter comes just days after security forces killed three terrorists in the upper reaches of Srinagar. Those men were responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament that the three slain terrorists were Pakistani nationals.