by Amreen Ahmad

Three army soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, Kulgam district, Srinagar. The encounter started on Friday evening based on specific information about the presence of terrorists at Halan forests area launched by Security Forces. This was a joint operation conducted by the army and police. As the troops zeroed in the terrorists, they came under heavy firing. Three army soldiers were killed in the encounter. The operation in the area is still underway. Replenishment have been hurried to the area and the search operation has been reinforced. In April and May, 10 army soldiers, including five prestigious commandos, were killed in two separate attacks/ encounters in Poonch and Rajouri districts – an area which was considered free from terrorism for nearly two decades. Search operations are continuing, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army said in a tweet. In the ongoing battle against terrorism, security forces around the world are often involved in hazardous operation to root out radicals and ensure the safety of civilians. These operations, known as search and cordon operations, involve meticulously combing through areas suspected of harboring terrorists. However, in some instances, these missions take an unexpected and deadly turn, transitioning from search operations to intense encounters as terrorists opt to resist the forces with lethal force. This article explores the dynamics of such situations and the challenges they pose to both security forces and civilians. Search and cordon operations are vital tools in the fight against terrorism, but the transformation of these operations into deadly encounters underscores the unpredictable and perilous nature of this battle. Security forces must remain vigilant, well-trained, and prepared to respond effectively to sudden confrontations. Simultaneously, global efforts to counter terrorism should address the root causes that drive individuals toward extremism, aiming to prevent these encounters from occurring in the first place. As we continue to confront the ever-evolving threat of terrorism, minimizing the risk to both security forces and innocent civilians remains an ongoing and paramount challenge.