Uri Attack in Jammu and Kashmir : 17 Soldiers Killed in Militant Attack

Seventeen soldiers have died and four militants have been killed in an ongoing battle between the Indian army and militants in Uri, Baramulla, in Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI. 19 people have been injured.

17 soldiers killed in Uri terror attack: Army's Northern Command.

Explosions were heard inside the Indian Army's camp in early hours of Sunday.

Four militants killed in Uri terror attack: Army spokesperson.

According to reports, a suicide attack was suspected at the Uri brigade camp around 5:30 AM. Following this incident, Home Minister Rajnath Singh cancelled his trips to Russia and the US and called an emergency meeting.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh postpones visit to Russia and the US due to Kashmir unrest.

Singh has also spoken to J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti about the situation and asked the home secretaries to monitor it closely.

Spoke to Governor & CM of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the terror attack in Uri. They have apprised me of the security situation in the state.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army Chief Dalbir Singh are also expected to visit Kashmir later in the day, PTI said.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to visit Kashmir, meet soldiers injured in Uri terror attack.

The Hindustan Times reported that the militants had breached the perimeter fence and had entered the camp. Some barracks had also caught fire in what is perhaps one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on security forces in recent times. Seven members of the armed forces were killed in the Pathankot attack in January 2016. In December 2014, ten army men were killed in a similar attack in the neighbouring region of Mohra.

The higher casualties in the Uri terror attack could be due to the large presence of soldiers from the Dogra Regiment, "who had been stationed at the camp in tents and other temporary structures", The Times of India said. Some of the tents caught fire during the attack and it spread to other parts of the barracks.

According to ANI, four heavily-arms terrorists had entered the base camp. Since they were neutralised by the army, combing operations are being conducted to secure the area.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the home secretary and other senior officers in the ministry of home affairs to closely monitor the situation.