India, Feb. 18 -- Security forces on Wednesday detected and safely neutralised an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by terrorists along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway at Narbal, averting a potential tragedy, officials said.

The suspected explosive, concealed in a briefcase and left by the roadside, was spotted around 7 am during routine surveillance, prompting an immediate security alert.

For safety, forces swiftly cordoned off the area and temporarily halted traffic on the busy highway while a bomb disposal squad was rushed to the scene.

After thoroughly sanitising the surroundings, the squad destroyed the IED in a controlled operation without causing any damage or casualties, officials added.

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