Kashmir rebel attack kills five Indian soldiers

Five soldiers were killed on Thursday (20) in disputed Indian-administered Kashmir after suspected insurgents opened fire and dropped explosives at an army convoy, according to a military statement.

According to the report, the car caught fire "due to likely use of grenades" thrown by the unidentified attackers in the southern Rajouri district, near to the unofficial boundary between Kashmir and Pakistan.

"Five personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles Unit deployed for Counter Terrorist operations in this area have unfortunately lost their lives in the incident," the army's northern command said in the statement.

Another soldier was seriously wounded and was taken to a military hospital for treatment, it said.

Videos from the scene showed an army vehicle engulfed in flames on a highway in the mountainous area.

Security forces were searching the highly militarised area, which is also claimed by Pakistan, for the attackers.

Anger against Indian rule in Kashmir has simmered since 2019, when New Delhi cancelled the region's partial autonomy.

Since 1989, rebel groups have fought some 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the Indian-controlled territory, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers and rebels have been killed so far.

Kashmir is claimed in full but ruled in part by nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan. Militants in the region under India's control have for decades fought security forces.

In August last year, militants attacked an Indian army post in Rajouri, killing three soldiers, while two attackers died in the shootout.

New Delhi has long accused Pakistan of stoking a decades-long insurgency in Kashmir. Islamabad denies that accusation, saying it only provides diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris seeking self-determination.

(Agencies)