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After a day long gun fight, these are ten developments on Pathankot attack

After more than 13 hours, guns finally fell silent at Punjab's Pathankot air base. Following a pitched battle through the day, backed by attack helicopters and state-of-the-art equipment, the security forces had wrested control of the compound. All four terrorists were dead. The security forces sustained three casualties -- including one Air Force Garud commando.

Armoured vehicle moving into the Air Force base in Pathankot
Source: NDTV

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By SBS Punjabi

Source: NDTV


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Here are the ten developments on Pathankot attack

 

"Proud of our jawans and security forces," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Enemies of humanity who can't see India progress, such elements attacked in Pathankot bukt our security forces did not let them succeed"

Sources have told Indian news channle, NDTV the attack was carried out by Jaish-E-Mohammed, the Pakistan-based outfit that seeks independence for Kashmir.

Pathankot is the base for MiG-21 Bison fighters and Mi-35 attack helicopters that the gunmen were ordered to blow up.

With the attack coming roughly a week after PM Modi's goodwill visit to Pakistan, opposition Congress said India should reassess its position on the neighboring country. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah called the attack "the first major challenge to PM Modi's bold Pakistan gambit."

The gun-battle started at 3.30 am when the armed forces -- who had secured the compound following advance information -- detected the advent of the gunmen with the help of aircraft using thermal imaging capability. 

Rockets were fired by a Mi-35 attack helicopter to contain the attackers in one area. Heavy armoured personnel carriers - which are bullet proof and mine-resistant vehicles to carry soldiers safely into operation areas -- were used to close in on the spot where the gunmen were holed up.

The NSG and the army units had moved into the air base on Friday evening following advance information and orders from the Prime Minister's Office.

The alarm had been raised after the gunmen used the phone of a Punjab police officer, whose car they had hijacked on Friday, to contact their handlers. The calls had been intercepted by the security forces.

Given the advance information, the forces were able to keep the attackers confined in the periphery of the air base. The vital air force assets -- MiG-21 Bison fighters and Mi-35 attack helicopters - were safe.

India's home minister said India wants "good ties" with Pakistan but will give a "fitting reply" to any terror attack.

 


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