3 militants killed in Indian forces operation in Jammu and Kashmir

Three militants were killed in an operation by Indian forces in Shukalkul, in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The operation took place on Tuesday (May 13). Despite heavy gunfire exchange with the militants, no members of the security forces were injured, according to military officials.

In a message on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the Indian Army said the operation, named “Operation Killer,” was carried out based on secret intelligence. Officials also warned that operations in Jammu and Kashmir will continue until all terrorist and separatist activities are completely eliminated.

A deadly attack took place in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed — most of them Hindu male tourists earlier, on April 22. The unidentified attackers used automatic rifles, and this was considered the deadliest attack since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Militant group 'The Resistance Front' (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack.

India claims that the investigation has revealed links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based group operating in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. However, Pakistan has denied the allegation of supporting terrorism.

In response to the attack, India took a strong diplomatic stance against Pakistan. Measures included reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty and canceling visas for Pakistani citizens. In retaliation, Pakistan imposed countermeasures, including closing its airspace to Indian flights.

Amid this rising tension, on Wednesday (May 7), the Indian defense forces launched a brief military operation called 'Operation Sindoor' targeting nine militant camps in six locations, including Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to New Delhi, the missile strikes killed 70 Pakistani militants and 11 soldiers. However, Pakistan’s military public relations department, ISPR, reported 40 deaths and 121 injuries.

In response, Pakistani defense forces launched a counterattack called 'Operation Bunyanum Marsus' or 'Wall of Stee', on Friday night (May 9). Pakistan claims that this operation targeted 11 Indian military installations and killed between 40 and 50 Indian soldiers. India has not released detailed information about casualties.

As military tensions rose between the two countries, the United States intervened. Under pressure from U.S. officials, both New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to a ceasefire starting Saturday afternoon (May 10).

However, tension and exchange of gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region continued until Sunday night (May 11). The following day, Monday (May 12), both India and Pakistan reached an agreement to reduce troop numbers in the border areas.