New Delhi: The terrorists who attacked an Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Pathankot were detected by aerial surveillance platforms as soon as they entered the station, an official statement said Friday, adding that the attempt to destroy 'valuable assets' was foiled.

The IAF statement, issued even as the combing operations were on in and around the air base, said the terrorists' plan was "foiled" due to 'effective preparations' and 'coordinated efforts'.