The site of the attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, resembled a war zone with body parts and vehicle debris strewn about (Photo: IANS)

At least 44 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in a dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The well-planned attack used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (known as VBIED) to target a CRPF bus that was part of a 70-vehicle convoy.

The convoy was on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and was on its way to Pulwama when a suicide bomber belonging to the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad drove an explosive-laden SUV into the bus. The SUV was carrying explosives weighing nearly 300 kgs and the bus had 39 jawans on board.

At least 44 jawans who were part of the convoy were killed in the resulting explosion. Two of the jawans who were killed were part of the road-opening party, which travels a short distance away from the main convoy.

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The bus targetted by the suicide bomber, who the Jaish-e-Mohammad identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, was completely destroyed in the attack. The site of the Pulwama attack resembled a war zone with body parts and vehicle debris strewn about.

One of the CRPF buses in the convoy was blown up in the powerful IED blast

The Pulwama attack is the biggest in Jammu and Kashmir's history.

The attack took place when the convoy was passing through the Gundipoora section of the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Lethipora near Awantipora.

The convoy was made up of buses, trucks and SUVs. Each bus/truck was carrying 35-40 jawans of the CRPF.

Terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. A spokesperson of the banned terrorist organisation said "dozens of forces' vehicles were destroyed in the attack".

Approximate location of the Pulwama terror attack

Jaish-e-Mohammad identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmad Dar and even released a video of him. In the video, Adil Dar can be seen brandishing rifles and standing in front of Jaish-e-Mohammad banners.

We're tracking the Pulwama terror attack and and its fallout live. Follow our live blog on the Pulwama terror attack here.

'REMINISCENT OF DARK DAYS OF MILITANCY'

Reactions poured in from across the country as the death toll kept rising in the Pulwama terror attack. PM Narendra Modi said the attack was "despicable" and "dastardly" attack.

"The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly," PM Modi said in a tweet.

Union minister Arun Jaitley called the attack an example of "cowardice" and said, " Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act."

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said he was "deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack".

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah reacted to the "terrible news". "A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved," Abdullah said in a tweet.

Abdullah also said that the attack was "reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre 2004-05".

Mehbooba Mufti, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, tweeted, "Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura . Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends?"

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal "strongly condemned" the attack. "Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery."

Complete coverage of the Pulwama terror attack:

Photos capture devastating aftermath of Kashmir terror attack

PM Modi condemns Pulwama blood bath, says sacrifice will not go in vain

When will the 56-inch chest reply? Congress takes on Modi govt after Kashmir attack

Pulwama terror attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed claims responsibility with video of suicide bomber Adil Dar

Union minister Arun Jaitley says Pulwama attack will be avenged

WATCH | Pulwama suicide bomber identified as Adil Ahmad Dar of JeM