Pulwama, February 14: In a series of attacks on the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, an IED blast took place in Awantipora area of Pulwama district on Thursday. Initial information state that the CRPF vehicle was attacked by militants at Goripora area of Awantipora on Srinagar-Jammu National highway. Eight jawans have been reportedly martyred, while 12 are severely injured, in which 12 are critically injured. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Soon after the blast the area has been cordoned and gunshots between the security forces and the militants can be heard. To help the security forces in Awantipora, more personnel have been sent. Sources say that atleast 18 CRPF jawans are injured in the attack and the number can rise. All the injured jawans have been rushed to the nearby hospital. However, there is no information on the number of casualties.  Jammu and Kashmir: LeT Commander Among Two Militants Gunned Down by Security Forces in Budgam Encounter. 

With the sudden attack on the CRPF patrol party, sources believe that the attack could have been carried by Pakistan-borne terrorists, but after the JeM claimed the responsibility, it is clear that the attack is related with grenade attacks on the CRPF camps and police stations in recent times. This has been the biggest terrorist attack of 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2019 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).