9 soldiers injured in IED blast targeting army vehicle in Anantnag; ‘3 critical’

Srinagar: Months after the deadly attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, militants attacked an army convoy in the same district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. An IED blast took place in Arihal area of Pulwama Monday, targeting army vehicles, reports said.
Nine soldiers, reports said, were injured in the attack, with three of them in “critical condition.” All of the soldiers were undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Initial reports suggested that an encounter broke out at the spot, however, Times Now reported that no gun battle was underway. Security forces have cordoned off the area post the incident.
As per reports, militants attacked the armoured vehicle of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles near the Arihal village of Pulwama. The Casper vehicle reportedly got damaged in the attack. However, the Army said in a statement that this was a “failed attempt” by the militants and that all troops were safe but had suffered minor injuries. In a statement, the Army said, “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 Monday evening. Troops all safe. Few minor injuries. Reports of attack on Army convoy are unfounded and baseless. Area cordoned and search operations in progress.”
In February this year, an explosive-laden vehicle had rammed into a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Pulwama, killing at least 40 jawans. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) had taken responsibility for the attack.