Indian Air Force Statements On Terrorist Attack At Air Force Station Pathankot

Indian Air Force Statement On Terrorist Attack At Air Force Station Pathankot Issued On Wednesday, 06 January 2016

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. Air warriors were issued arms and ammunition to protect vital assets. Air Force Garud Special Forces were reinforced from other Air Force Stations and were deployed at strategic locations around the airfield. Aerial surveillance was mounted using night vision and thermal imaging devices on board Remotely Piloted Aircraft, C-130J Special Operations aircraft and helicopters. First contact with the terrorists was made through a remotely piloted aircraft. On detection, the terrorists were immediately engaged by the Garuds. One Garud, Corporal Gursewak Singh, was martyred in the initial engagement. Terrorists opened fire on unarmed Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel in the DSC Mess, where one of the DSC Jawans grappled with a terrorist and shot him dead. However, the DSC Jawan was killed by the other terrorists present there.

Swift response by the Station resulted in pinning down of the terrorists in a limited area, preventing their movement towards the sensitive Technical zone where bulk petroleum and weapon storage areas were located and also where aircraft were parked. A well coordinated effort by all security agencies including the Army, NSG, local police and Indian Air Force (IAF) succeeded in neutralising the terrorists. The airbase remained operational throughout and flights operated to and from the airfield during the period of engagement with the terrorists.

IAF salutes the brave air warriors who fought the terrorists without fear of personal risk.

Indian Air Force Statement On Terrorist Attack At Air Force Station Pathankot Issued On Saturday, 02 January 2016

Intelligence inputs had been available of a likely attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into the military installation in Pathankot area.  In response, preparatory actions had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to thwart any such attempt.

Due to the effective preparation and coordinated efforts by all the security agencies a group of  terrorists were detected by the aerial surveillance platforms as soon as they entered the Air Force Station at Pathankot.  The infiltrators were immediately engaged and contained within a limited area, thus 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 to destroy valuable assets of the Air Force has been foiled. Currently the operation is going on.  The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command is on location and personally  supervising  and coordinating  with the Army, NSG and local civil police for exchange of information and operational activity.