Nine Army men injured in IED blast in Pulwama

SRINAGAR — At least nine Army men were injured in an IED blast at Arihal village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir on Monday evening.

A police official said that around 06:00 PM, militants triggered an IED planted on roadside at Arihal when the vehicle of 44 RR was crossing the area, causing injuries to at least nine soldiers.

Soon after the blast, militants fired upon the vehicle, the official said, adding that forces also returned the fire. “Initial reports reveal that the vehicle suffered extensive damage,” the official added.

The injured Army men, according to the official, were immediately rushed to Army’s 92 base hospital in Srinagar. Three among the injured soldiers are stated to be serious, sources said.

Local residents of the area said that they heard a loud sound of the blast followed by firing which triggered panic in the area.

Soon after the incident, additional reinforcement of Army, Police and SOG was rushed to the spot and launched a massive search operation to nab the attackers.