A Summary of the Attack - Day 2
The Pathankot Air Force was subjected to a major terror attack yesterday, allegedly carried out by Jaish-E-Mohammad. Just when it seemed that things were finally sorted –government officials claimed on Saturday that all the attackers were eliminated, and combing operations were underway to neutralise any threats – an explosion suddenly rocked the base again.
Lt Col Niranjan, a member of the NSG’s bomb disposal squad
lost his life while defusing a grenade which detonated, injuring four other
men. This led to speculations that the bodies of the terrorists might have been
booby-trapped, and more terrorists might be hiding at the base.
Soon after, fresh firing was heard at the airbase on Sunday. The operation was clearly not over and is still underway. Several media reports claim that in addition to the four terrorists killed on Saturday, the two suspected to be hiding at the base still have also been eliminated.
But according to the Union Home Ministry, the death of only four terrorists have been confirmed, while the status of the other two is still unclear. Media reports also claimed that the security forces were keen on capturing the attackers alive. Seven security personnel have lost their lives in the attack.
Security was beefed up outside the base, while Delhi, suspected to be a target, has been put on high alert. PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with the NSA, Foreign Secretary and other officials, shortly after returning from his Karnataka visit.
Delhi on High Alert
Speaking to CNN-IBN, the police have said that they are equipped to handle ‘any kind of Fidayeen attacks.’
Operations to Continue through the Night
CNN-IBN reports that the Indian Airforce has confirmed that operations will continue through the night.
Number of Terrorists May Be 8 or 10
According to Hindustan Times, the search for a second car is currently underway. The number of terrorists involved in the attack is suspected to be between 8 and 10.
Names of Casualties Martyred in the Attack
- Corporal Gursewak Singh (Garud)
- LNK Phoolwant
- Subedar Fateh Singh
- Sep Sanjeev Kumar
- Sep Jagdish Chand
- Sep Mohit Chand
- Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan (NSG)