Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists from Pakistan today attacked an Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab, killing two air personnel. Four terrorists were also killed in an operation that lasted more than five hours.
The attack comes just a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled visit to Lahore.
The attackers were met with strong resistance from the security personnel, who were already alert to the possibility of an attack, top sources said in Delhi, adding that the terrorists, therefore, could not enter the air base and managed to reach only to the langer area on the outside.
The area however was not sanitised yet and the combing operation continues, said Punjab Police ADGP (Law and Order) H S Dhillon. Security forces are on the look out for a possible fifth terrorist so that no collateral damage is done
Two jawans were also martyred, while six sustained injuries during the attack.
Authorities said helicopters and other equipment at the Air base are safe. The technical area of the Air Force station is safe, police said, adding the entire area has been cordoned off.
While locals in Pathankot protest the attack, a maximum alert was sounded and security strengthened across Punjab today.
An armored vehicle moves near an Indian Air Force base that was attacked by militants in Pathankot, Punjab on Saturday.
Security personnel checking a vehicle at road near the IAF base which was attacked by militants in Pathankot on Saturday.
Business Standard is happy to inform you of the launch of "Business Standard Premium Services"
As a premium subscriber you get an across device unfettered access to a range of services which include:
Access Exclusive content - articles, features & opinion pieces
Weekly Industry/Genre specific newsletters - Choose multiple industries/genres
Access to 17 plus years of content archives
Set Stock price alerts for your portfolio and watch list and get them delivered to your e-mail box
End of day news alerts on 5 companies (via email)
NEW: Get seamless access to WSJ.com at a great price. No additional sign-up required.
Premium Services
In Partnership with
Dear Guest,
Welcome to the premium services of Business Standard brought to you courtesy FIS.
Kindly visit the Manage my subscription page to discover the benefits of this programme.