Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir 'militant' ambush Published duration 24 May 2013

image copyright AFP image caption India has a large security presence in Kashmir

Four soldiers have been killed in an ambush by suspected militants in the Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir, officials say.

An army spokesman said the attacks came as troops launched an anti-insurgency operation in the Tral area. One militant was also killed.

The soldiers came under fire from militants hiding in a nearby forest.

Kashmir has seen an armed insurgency against Indian rule since 1989, but violence has waned in recent months.

The Himalayan territory is claimed by both India and Pakistan in its entirety. India has a large security presence in Kashmir.

Thursday's clash took place in Hurdmeer village, army spokesman Lt-Col Naresh Vig told the BBC.

Extra security forces had been sent to the area to track down the militants, he said.

On Thursday, police said they had killed a suspected militant in a gunfight.

Hilal Molvi, a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group, was wanted in connection with the killing of several civilians in the Pattan and Sopore areas of north Kashmir, they said.

Thursday's attack is the second major attack on Indian security forces in recent months.

In March, two armed militants disguised as cricket players attacked a paramilitary camp and killed five troops.