8 terrorists killed in attack on Pakistan Air Force base

At least eight terrorists were killed after they attacked the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base in Peshawar early on Friday, an official said.

Director-General Inter Services Public Relations Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted that 10 security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire, one of whom has been identified as Major Haseeb of the Quick Reaction Force.

The attack was carried out by a group of seven to 10 terrorists, Dawn online quoted Maj. Gen. Bajwa as saying.

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesperson Muhammad Khurasani claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to journalists.

Following the attack, a heavy contingent of the QRF reached the spot. Exchange of fire was on. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have cordoned-off the area.

The official said terrorists attacked the guard room at the camp early in the morning. The QRF reached the scene and surrounded the attackers, isolating them.

Bajwa confirmed that around seven to 10 terrorists had attempted to break into the camp. The terrorists had been engaged and contained around the guard room area of the camp.

He said a clearance operation is underway for more hidden terrorists.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has left for Peshawar. He will visit the Corps Headquarters and meet with troops participating in the clearance operation. He is also expected to visit the wounded at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the attack, reiterating Pakistan's resolve to continue its mission of eliminating terrorism with zeal.

He said the armed forces of the county have the full support of the entire nation and that networks of terrorists would soon be eliminated from Pakistan.