shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Militants attack Pakistan air base

Militants attack Pakistan air base

Updated on: 16 August,2012 09:37 AM IST  | 
Agencies |

Militants wearing military uniforms attacked a key Pakistan Air Force base early Thursday, destroying at least one aircraft, a media report said

Militants attack Pakistan air base

u00a0


Six militants and two security personnel were killed when heavily armed terrorists Thursday morning mounted a brazen attack on an airbase in Pakistan's Punjab province, military said.

u00a0


According to a spokesperson with Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at about 2 a.m. Thursday, six heavily armed militants launched the attack on PAF Kamra airbase in Attock district, which is located some 70 km northwest of the capital Islamabad, reported Xinhua.
u00a0
Intense gunfire broke out between the militants and the security forces, said the spokesperson, adding that six attackers were killed after more than three hours of fighting.u00a0
u00a0
One of the militants killed in the attack was wearing a suicide jacket.u00a0
u00a0

Pakistani air base
Pakistani Air Force personnel cordon off the main entrance of the air force base following an attack. Photo: AFP

While media reports said that one aircraft was destroyed in the attack, the PAF spokesperson denied it saying that the attackers failed to reach any of the planes.u00a0

u00a0
The attack took place when a group of militants, wearing military uniforms, were stopped at a checkpost of the Kamra airbase, said media reports.
u00a0
The militants had successfully crossed over three checkposts before they were stopped at the fourth one.u00a0
u00a0
They opened fire and hurled grenades at the security people at the checkpost when they were stopped.u00a0
u00a0
Huge smoke and fire were seen rising from the airbase following the attack, said local residents.u00a0
u00a0
Commandos were called in and paramilitary forces and police were quickly deployed outside the airbase to counter any second attack.u00a0
u00a0
A spokesman with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that army commandos were also dispatched to the attack site at the request of PAF.u00a0
u00a0
Both Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf have issued statements strongly condemning the attack.u00a0
u00a0
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.u00a0
u00a0
Thursday's attack on the Kamra airbase is the second of its kind launched by militants in the country over the past year or so.u00a0
u00a0
On May 22, 2011, a group of militants launched an attack on an airbase in the country's southern port city of Karachi, in which at least one US-made P-3C Orion plane was destroyed and a number of security personnel were killed and wounded.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK