J&K: 5 army jawans injured after terrorists target vehicle with IED blast in Pulwama

SRINAGAR: At least five jawans were injured after terrorists attacked an army convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district on Monday evening. Firing is currently underway in the area. The injured jawans have been shifted to nearby hospitals.

The Army, in an official statement, termed the attack as a "failed" effort.

"A failed attempt was made to attack a mobile vehicle patrol of 44 RR with a Vehicle-Based IED while the Army patrol was moving in the general area Arihal in district Pulwama today evening. Troops all safe. Few minor injuries. Reports of attack on Army convoy are unfounded and baseless," said the Army.

A Casper vehicle belonging to 44 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) was targeted on the Arihal-Lassipora road in Pulwama. Casspir is a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle. 

The site of the blast is 27 kms from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber on February 14 in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed. This time, the terrorists planted the IED which is near Eidgah Arihal on Arihal-Lassipora Road. 

The entire area has been cordoned and search operations are in progress.