Fifth terrorist killed on Pathankot air base; one left

One of the suspected two terrorists holding out on the Pathankot air base was reported killed today following intensive gunfire and at least one blast in a building in which they were believed to be hiding. Earlier in the morning, gunshots were heard in the area as multiple security agencies undertook a combing operation on the base.

The building was vacated before being bombed. The blast was followed by the sound of gunfire. Security officials believe now one terrorist remains at the site. NSG officials said the operation was in final stages. The development comes more than 52 hours after terrorists attacked the frontline air base in Pathankot town of Punjab.

Addressing a press conference at Pathankot this morning, Army, NSG and Air Force officials had said the operation would continue till the combing of the entire area was over. They said four terrorists had been killed yesterday, and two others were holed up on the air base, which is spread over a large area and is like a “mini city”. Of these, one has now been killed.

Even as the two terrorists were suspected to have holed up in a residential building, officials said all families of personnel, besides Air Force assets such as aircraft, were safe.

Another press briefing is expected after the combing operation is over.

Inspector General, NSG, Maj-General Dushant Singh, who was flanked by Air Officer Commanding, Air commodore J S Damoon and Brigadier Anupinder Singh, said: “The entire operation will continue till all the personnel, assets, structure are physically combed. So it is likely to take a long time.”

“These terrorists are holed up in a double-storeyed building, which is a living accommodation of the Air Force personnel and currently the operations are in progress to clear this building from the terrorists,” Brigadier Singh said.

He said that the terrorists have come “well prepared” and are “heavily armed” with an aim to target the strategic assets of the Air Force.

The officers said the Army was on general alert since January one following intelligence inputs of a terror strike.

Firing could be heard during the night and Monday morning. Officials said this firing could be linked to the mopping operation.

IAF helicopters flew through the night over the air base to assist ground forces in the counter offensive against the terrorists.

Army and para-military forces have surrounded the entire air force base, which is spread in a huge area.

Four terrorists were killed by security forces on Saturday after a 15-hour long gunfight in which the NSG, Indian Army and IAF commandos were involved, assisted by IAF helicopters.

A gunfight between two more terrorists and security forces continued through Sunday.

Seven security personnel, including one official of the National Security Guard, one IAF Garud commando and five Defence Services Corps (DSC) personnel were killed in the counter-offensive against the terrorists.

“Combing operation continued (on Sunday). This operation is at the completion stage. The operation will continue till the whole air base has been cleared of any intruders,” Air Commodore J. S. Dhamoon, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Pathankot Air Force Station told the media.

Smoke could be seen coming out of the IAF air base in Pathankot, 250 km from Chandigarh, on Sunday evening as the gunfight moved to an end.