One terrorist killed, 1-2 others trapped after gunfight in central Kashmir forests

In central Kashmir, a joint military operation resulted in the death of one unidentified terrorist after an exchange of gunfire. The operation, involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the central reserve police force (CRPF), targeted an area known as Ashdar Gali in Budgam. According to the Army's Chinar Corps, the terrorists initiated the conflict, prompting a fierce exchange that led to the neutralization of the single terrorist.

During the search, security forces recovered an AK rifle and other war materials. The incident occurred near the popular Yusmarg tourist resort, where the dense forested terrain and bordering districts of Budgam and Poonch presented a challenging environment for the operation. Intelligence sources indicate that two additional terrorists may still be hiding in the area, leading authorities to extend their combing efforts.

This marks only the second gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the Kashmir Valley this year; previously, a Lashkar-e-Toiba operative was killed on July 8 in south Kashmir's Shopian.