How advance intelligence inputs helped thwart a bigger attack at Pathankot IAF base

In the wee hours of Saturday, a group of 6-7 Jaish-E-Mohammad terrorists entered the Pathankot airbase and tried to storm the technical area. The terror attack was thwarted by security forces who acted on advance intelligence and swung into action.

Four terrorists have been killed so far and the gunbattle is still underway. One Indian Air Force officer who was on sentry duty has also been killed in the attack and four-five other personnel have also been injured.

The terrorists who tried to attack the technical area of the airbase have been contained in the domestic area by security forces.

Intelligence sources say that the agencies were put on alert after kidnapping and release of Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh. Four JeM terrorists had kidnapped and later released the Gurdaspur SP on Friday. Therafter, the terror operation was planned.

Based on Friday's developments, Army had sounded alert and accordingly placed 02 Army Columns and an SF team in the airforce station Pathankot prior to the attack. The team of the National Security Guard (NSG) team had also teamed up with the Army to foil the terror attack. The operations are being coordinated by local Brigade Commander of Army. In addition, UAVs of Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) have also been put into action.

According to sources, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is coordinating the entire operation. Acting on the tip-off from the advance agencies, the NSG teams were sent to the airbase on Friday evening to handle such a situation.

Sources also say that the terrorists planned to launch a much bigger attack than the 26/11 Mumbai attacks but inputs from the intelligence helped prevent it. There are indications of Pakistani support in the attack.

At the moment Garuda commandos, Army troops and large number of policemen have been pressed into action. All northern airfields have been put on high alert.

Top officials have convened an emergency meet at Air Force headquarters in Delhi. The situation is being monitored at the highest level.