Security officials say at least 10 soldiers have been killed and 20 others wounded by a large explosion that struck a paramilitary convoy on a key highway in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Police and paramilitary officials say the blast occurred Thursday in Pampore on the outskirts of the disputed region's main city of Srinagar.

They said several vehicles were damaged by the blast and blamed rebels fighting against Indian rule for the attack.

India and Pakistan each claim the divided territory of Kashmir in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian control since 1989.

Most Kashmiris support the rebels' demand that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country, while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control.