A soldier was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists after the Army thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri in Baramulla district on Wednesday.

Security forces have launched a counter-infiltration operation in the area to track down the terrorists. The gunfight is still underway, and more information is expected, IANS reported, quoting sources.

“One soldier was killed during a fierce gunfight with terrorists. The Army has launched a counter-infiltration and border action team (BAT) operation in the area, and a search operation is underway. The troops foiled the infiltration bid in the Churunda area of Uri in the Baramulla district,” the officials said.

This comes days after two soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, were killed in the line of duty during an operation in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. 

“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. Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Operation continues,” Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X.

In a separate development, security forces have called off Operation Akhal 12 days after it was launched. Notably, it is the longest counter-terrorism operation to date.

The operation began on August 1 after credible intelligence indicated the presence of a terrorist group in the region. According to inputs, around five to six heavily armed militants were hiding in the thick Akal Khulsan forest, a difficult terrain marked by dense vegetation, caves, and steep slopes. It was launched as part of a wider crackdown on terrorist networks in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

One terrorist, Haris Nazir Dar, affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, was killed during the operation, while at least five trained militants managed to escape.