A group 6 -7 terrorists attacked the IAF base at Pathankot in Punjab in the wee hours of Saturday. Terrorists opened fire at the base following which a fierce gun-battle erupted between security forces and the terrorists at the air base. The firing is reported to have started around 2AM according to initial reports.
By 11am, at least 4 terrorists and 3 Indian forces personnel were killed in the gunfire and the operation to kill the other terrorists was still underway, according to various media reports. Several injuries have also been reported. The terrorists are believed to have entered the base wearing Indian army fatigues.
Helicopters were despatched from the border for air support. NSG and Garuda Commando Force were also engaged to fight the terrorists. Entire state of Punjab is now under high alert. National Intelligence Agency personnel have also reached the spot, according to PTI.
Meetings are being held at the highest levels of Home and Defence Ministry and with the NSA.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was happy that security forces gave a befitting reply to the terrorists.
We do not know exactly who these terrorists are, although it is believed that they belong to the Jaish-e-Mohammed. We do not know if there are any links to Pakistani state agencies.
It is not known as to how they entered Indian territory, there is rife speculation however on that. “From past experience I’m sure it emerge that these militants crossed over within the last few hours with the airbase as a specific target,” said former J&K CM Omar Abdullah on Twitter.
The terror attack is also being linked to the missing car of a Punjab SP.
Updates to follow.