At least 5 dead in Kashmir airport attack

SRINAGAR, Kashmir (CNN) -- Two civilians were killed and seven Indian Army personnel injured on Tuesday during an attack on the Srinagar airport by suspected Muslim militants, according to Indian police officials.

At least three attackers were also killed, the officials said, and the airport, in troubled Kashmir, was closed.

Indian officials said the suspected militants tried to "sneak" into the heavily guarded airport, throwing grenades at an army checkpoint.

CNN staff at the airport said the firefight continued hours after the attempted entry.

Kashmir, India's only majority Muslim state, is divided along a Line of Control between India and Pakistan. Muslim militants have been battling for nearly 11 years for either absorption into Pakistan or complete independence.

The Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba told Reuters news service that one of its suicide squads (known as fidayeen) had initiated the attack on the airport.

"A five-member fidayeen stormed Srinagar airport and the firing is going on," Lashkar-e-Toiba spokesman Abu-Usma said. "Details are awaited."

India has declared a universal cease-fire in the conflict, but most militant groups have refused to accept it.

Tuesday's attack marked the second attempt to infiltrate the Srinigar airport this month.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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