Over 15 Hours Later, Five Attackers Neutralised in Pathankot

Follow the latest developments on the terrorist attack at the Pathankot Air Base here.

A Summary of the Attack

In the early hours of Saturday, suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists entered the Pathankot Air Force Station with the alleged intention of destroying valuable air force assets. At 3.30 am, the terrorists, dressed in army fatigues, opened fire at the base. They clashed with security forces in an encounter that has now ended.

Officials confirm all attackers have been neutralised and three security forces personnel were martyred in the encounter. Some security personnel have sustained injuries.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was monitoring operations closely throughout.

Defence Ministry has stated that the government had intel about a possible attack and hence, systems were put in place to thwart any such attempts. No vital IAF asset has been damaged in the attack, defence ministry stated.

Security forces are now in the process of sanitising the area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and President Pranab Mukherjee congratulate forces for successfully neutralising militants.

WATCH: 'Enemies of humanity attacked #Pathankot Air Base but our forces did not let them succeed',says PM Modi https://t.co/enMWc4qEPG

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 2, 2016

The nation is proud of its brave security forces who have always rose to the occasion. I salute our forces on successful operation in P'kot

— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 2, 2016

Security forces should remain vigilant against any threat to the peace and security of our nation #PresidentMukherjee

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) January 2, 2016

In a statement, the defence ministry has said,

• There was intel about a likely attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into the military installation in Pathankot area.
  
• Preparatory actions had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to thwart any such attempt.
  
• The group of terrorists were detected by aerial surveillance platforms as soon as they entered the Air Force Station.
  
• Infiltrators were immediately contained within a limited area, preventing them from entering the Technical zone where high value assets are parked.
  
• Through timely and prompt action by all agencies, the likely plan of the terrorists has been foiled. Currently the operation is going on.
  
• The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command is personally supervising and coordinating with the Army, NSG and local civil police.
  

Television reports say the fifth terrorist has been gunned down. The body has been recovered which officially puts an end to the gunbattle, according to CNN-IBN.

The operation has come to an end 15 hours later.

Meeting between Defence Minister Parrikar and the three service chiefs ends. Media to be briefed soon.