Srinagar: Fifteen Army men were today (Dec 30, 2003) injured when pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militants blew up a military vehicle on the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway by exploding a massive improvised explosive device (IED).

The militants triggered the IED kept inside a roadside shop at around 10.30 hrs (IST) when an Army convoy was passing by the Lawaypora market in Narba area of the city, senior superintendent of police Syed Javed Mujtaba Gilani said.

He said the powerful explosive device completely damaged one of the civilian buses hired by the Army, resulting in injuries to at least 15 personnel.

However, unofficial sources said the number of injured could be higher and some of the wounded jawans were taken to a hospital in critical condition

Militants owing allegiance to Hizbul Mujahideen called up a local news agency and claimed responsibility for the attack.