Defence Minister, Army and Air Force chiefs to visit Pathankot

While one was eliminated in a prolonged exchange of fire with the armed forces, the other was said to have blown himself up a few hours later.

Given the mood near the air base, the crowd that witnessed the whole action right in front of their eyes filled the air with patriotic slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and with slogans praising the security forces.

On receipt of intelligence inputs of a likely attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into military installations in Pathankot area, Air Force Station Pathankot was put on heightened alert status. For the past 24 hours, the army awas carrying out the combing operations. The blast was followed by the sound of gunfire. The combing operations are yet underway.

He said the operation would take a long time to declare the Airbase completely secured because of its size and geography and to take into consideration the safety of people living in the vicinity of the Air Force Station. The mandate of the NIA probe will include entry of the militants into India, killing of taxi driver Ikagar Singh, kidnapping of Superintendent of Police-rank officer of Punjab Police, who was later released and entry into the IAF campus, the sources said.

The operation against the terrorists continued throughout the night with intermittent firing from both the sides. Officials said this firing could be linked to the mopping operation. IAF helicopters were also seen flying over the base and nearby areas to assist ground forces in the operations. A well coordinated effort by all security agencies including the Army, NSG, local police and Indian Air Force (IAF) succeeded in neutralising the terrorists.

January 4 (ANI): The National Security Guard (NSG) stated on Monday night that they eradicated yet one more terrorist, taking the variety of fidayeens killed within the Pathankot air base assault to 5.