Militant Attack On Indian Paramilitary Soldiers In Jammu Kills 2 Soldiers, Injures 8

Two militants attacked an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) convoy Wednesday in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing two soldiers and injuring several people, according to local media reports. One militant was killed in the incident, while the other was taken into custody, a government official told Asian News International (ANI).

Three civilians, who were taken hostage by one of the militants, have been freed, the official reportedly said. The incident took place at a highway in the southwestern district of Udhampur after the militants, who were wearing military uniforms, opened fire at the convoy and hurled grenades. Eight soldiers were injured in the attack, IBN Live, a local news network, reported, adding that they are being treated at a nearby hospital.

One militant, allegedly from the neighboring country of Pakistan, was captured by army officials after nearly four hours of search, authorities reportedly said, adding that the hostages helped in the operation.

"Preliminary questioning has revealed that the terrorist, Usman, is from Faislabad in Pakistan," a local police officer told NDTV .

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Associated Press reported.

Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, wrote on his Twitter account: "An attack on this stretch of the NH after a very long time. Worrying development because area was militant free."