Kulgam Encounter: Fourth Day of Fierce Gunbattle as Drones and Helicopters Hunt Militants

Aug, 6 2025

Kulgam Under Siege: Forest Hunt Reaches Critical Phase

It’s not every day you hear about an operation dragging on for four tense days, but that’s exactly what’s happening right now in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The Akhal forest isn’t seeing peace anytime soon as security forces ramp up their efforts to smoke out the last remaining militants. They’ve brought out the big guns—drones buzzing overhead and Rudra helicopters tracking every possible escape. This isn’t just about chasing shadows. It’s a high-pressure hunt that’s got the entire region on edge.

The action kicked off on August 1, after a tip that three to five militants had holed up deep in the woods. The Army, local police, and CRPF closed in, expecting a quick mop-up. Instead, they walked right into a firefight. Four of their own were injured, caught between bursts of gunfire as militants tried to hold their ground. Fighting eased off when night fell, but by Saturday, the guns roared again—two militants down, and the chase far from over.

Technology and Troops: How the Forces Are Tightening the Net

This isn’t just another forest sweep. Security teams have stepped up their game. With advanced drones in the sky, not much moves without being spotted. The Rudra helicopters aren’t just for show—they’re providing eyes in the sky and the kind of covering fire you need when every tree could be hiding trouble. Troops on the ground move in tight teams, making sure no one slips away. You can feel the tension ratchet up every time the cordon shifts or a drone dips lower for a closer look.

This push comes hard on the heels of another intense operation. Just days ago, forces took out three Pakistani militants who’d carried out the Pahalgam attack in Srinagar on July 28. Security bosses aren’t mincing words: their plan is a slow squeeze, with no breaks for anyone hiding out. The Chinar Corps says this is all about well-planned, precise moves. They’re keeping the pressure on, making sure nobody sneaks through the net—even as darkness falls or the terrain turns tricky.

Locals in the Kulgam area have been told to stay clear of the forest. Reinforcements have plugged every gap. There’s no underestimating the stakes here: a single misstep could mean someone gets away, or someone gets hurt. The Akhal forest might look calm from a distance, but right now, it’s the focus of a major showdown between security forces and determined militants. The next few hours could make all the difference.