Sources said militants hurled handgrenades and fired from assault rifles on the vehicle. Reinforcements were rushed immediately to the spot. The area was later combed.
Troops came under heavy fire from hiding militants in village Rafiabad in Barramullah district during a cordon and search operation. Six militants were killed in the return fire.
During the 24-hour long gun battle a devastating blaze engulged the village that destroyed 25 houses. The villagers alleged the fire was started by troops. This was denied by the government. Sources said it was a war-like situation in the village. The gun battle started Saturday morning and it stopped yesterday afternoon.
In another incident, four militants including two foreign nationals, were killed in a firing exchange at Qaziabad in Sopore.
