On January 2, 2016, a heavily armed group of terrorists carried out a suicidal attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station, a part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. The operation that began on January 2 at 3:30 AM IST and lasted until the death of the last terrorist on January 5. On January 4, the United Jihad Council, a Kashmir-based militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the attackers wearing Indian Army fatigues were suspected of belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, an Islamist militant group. The attack was condemned by many.
Background of the Attack
According to a news article published by The New York Times, the attack came after PM Modi made an impromptu visit to Pakistan to meet PM Nawaz Sharif on December 25. This was the first such visit after 12 years. The meeting was considered a step towards resuming the halted dialogue between both countries.
(Source – https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/world/asia/india-air-base-attack-pathankot.html)
Events before the Attack
On December 31, 2015, four men who had crossed into India from Pakistan attempted to hijack Ikagar Singh’s taxi on the road. He fought back but ended up dying when the terrorists slit his throat. The tires of the hijacked car burst after traveling some distance. Then, the terrorists hijacked a multi-utility vehicle that belonged to Salwinder Singh, SP, Punjab Police in Dinanagar. While doing so, they slit the throat of Rajesh Kumar, who has later taken to the hospital. Further, the vehicle was found abandoned at about 500 meters from the airbase.
The Timeline of the Attack Events
· January 01, 2016
- At around 3:30 AM IST, at least six heavily armed men dressed in Indian Army uniforms breached the high-security perimeter of the Pathankot airbase.
- The attackers moved 400 meters into the base across a forested area. They were stopped by Garud commandos at around 700 meters from IAF aircraft. The attackers had AK rifles, 52 mm mortars, grenade launchers and a GPS device.
· January 02, 2016
- Four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the initial gun battle.
- Another security personnel died from injuries hours later.
- Three additional security personnel were injured in an improvised explosive blast during combing operations, died at night.
· January 03, 2016
- Gunshots could be heard in the morning, leading to speculations that more attackers were present in the airbase.
- Another IED explosion injured three NSG personnel. An officer who got injured, died at a hospital.
- Around noon, it was found that two attackers were still in the airbase.
NH44 was sealed as soon as the news of the attack went public. According to Indian intelligence officials, the attackers might have made their way to India on December 31, 2015 along the banks of the Beas River. According to a call interception report, the attackers intended to destroy aircraft and helicopters at the base.
· January 04, 2016
- The battle with the attackers continued.
- Reinforcements were deployed to the location.
- The fifth terrorist was confirmed to be gunned down later during the day.
· January 05, 2016
- At around 4.15 PM IST, the sixth terrorist was neutralized.
The operation was termed Operation Dhangu or Dhangu Suraksha, as the base is situated at a place called Dhangu.
Primary Source –
Cited Sources on Wikipedia –
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fresh-blast-at-Pathankot-air-base-jawan-injured/articleshow/50423958.cms
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/live-terrorists-launch-attack-on-iaf-base-in-pathankot-fierce-gunbattle-on-2161442
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pathankote-jammu-highway-sealed-city-on-high-alert/1/560595.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/pathankot-terror-attack-strikes-at-heart-of-pms-pakistan-peacemaking/
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fresh-blast-at-Pathankot-air-base-jawan-injured/articleshow/50423958.cms
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/live-terror-attack-at-pathankot-air-force-base-2-terrorist-killed/
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pathankot-attack-How-Operation-Dhangu-was-won/articleshow/50476559.cms
The Aftermath of the Attack
Let’s now look at the aftermath of the attack.
- Delhi, Mumbai and the Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi were put on high alert.
- Delhi Police Special Cell was informed that two Jaish-e-Mohammed militants have entered the city.
- A Turkish Airlines aircraft was stopped at Mumbai Airport after the authorities found an unclaimed mobile phone on a seat.
- Swarna Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Lucknow was stopped and underwent a thorough check after a bomb threat on January 02.
- IAF’s Western Command issued shoot-on-sight orders in view of the attack.
- The diplomatic talks between both India and Pakistan were postponed.
- Pakistani authorities were reported to have arrested many members of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- Five members of Pakistan’s investigation team were permitted to visit the air base on March 28.
- On April 26, India and Pakistan resumed their diplomatic talks.
- On June 26, Pakistan reportedly ‘would consider’ allowing an Indian investigation team to visit Pakistan to assist with the investigation.
- In August, Sushma Swaraj, the then External Affairs minister, ruled out any prospects of further talks with Pakistan, until it had taken action against the Pathankot terror attack.
Primary Source –
Cited Sources on Wikipedia –
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/delhi-on-high-alert-following-pathankot-attack/articleshow/50429960.cms
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/threat-of-a-pathankot-like-strike-looms-large-over-the-national-capital/1/561643.html
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/after-pathankot-terror-attack-major-indian-cities-on-the-edge-1185097.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/high-alert-after-pathankot-terror-attack-security-beefed-up/
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pathankot-attack-effect-shoot-at-sight-orders-issued-for-anybody-scaling-walls-of-iaf-bases/
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-says-talks-with-pakistan-in-very-near-future/story-bG1lOiTLStcuK9Qw8kwxDK.html
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-says-talks-with-pakistan-in-very-near-future/story-bG1lOiTLStcuK9Qw8kwxDK.html
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/B7JBfy2LIra3lB6q4VYPHL/IndiaPakistan-foreign-secretary-meet-Kashmir-terror-domin.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pakistan-to-consider-indias-request-to-probe-pathankot-attack-after-eid-2878920/
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/sushma-swaraj-pakistan-terrorism-john-kerry-india-visit-3004565/
Casualties and Injuries
While six attackers were killed, one civilian, one NSG commando, and five Defence Security Corps personnel also lost their lives during the attack. Additionally, ten IAF and 15 NSG personnel were injured in the attack.
Pakistan Condemns the Attack!
While several countries across the globe condemned the attack, Pakistan also issued a press release condemning the attack and offered condolences. The country referred to the goodwill created during the recent high-level contacts between the two nations. It informed, it remains committed to partner with India and other countries in the region to eliminate terrorism. However, it also complained that India accused Pakistan of the attack. Additionally, it advised India to review its stance and create an environment of trust.
Primary Source –
Secondary Source –
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/pakistan-condemns-pathankot-attack-says-committed-to-eradicate-terror/story-nSBnhBRVPWZxPkpo5r0TTO.html
