Militants open fire at army vehicle in Kupwara, Hizb, Al-Shuhda brigade claims responsibility

Srinagar: Five army men were injured when unidentified militants attacked Army convoy at Drugmulla in north Kashmir’s frontier district of Kupwara

Official sources told that militants opened indiscriminate fire on army vehicle which was part of the convoy, near B.Ed College in Drugmulla area of the district in morning hours.

According to the reports, after the attack the driver, Sepoy Thovise (belt no. 14826847 Y) of 528 ASE battalion lost control over the vehicle and it collided with a tree on the road side. Reports reaching KNS added that while one solider sustained bullet injury, four others were injured due to collision. All the five have been hospitalized.

The attack created panic among the locals and passersby in the area, eyewitness told KNS.

The traffic was also stranded on Kupwara-Srinagar National Highway, when reports last came in.

Meanwhile, Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Police cordoned the area and launched massive search operations to nab the militants.

The spokesmen of Hizbul Mujahideeen and Al-Shuhda Brigade have taken responsibility of the firing incident. In a tele4phonic conversation, Baleeg-u-Din Hizb spokesman told KNS: “The attack at Kupwara was carried out by our men.”

In a statement issued to KNS, Sami-ul-Haq spokesman of Al-Shuhda Brigade has said: “Our men carried this attack.”

Talking to KNS, IGP Kashmir Abdul Gani Mir said: “Yes there was a firing incident in Kupwara in which one Jawan sustained a bullet injury in his hand. We cordoned the area and launched the search operation. We are on it.”