All 6 terrorists who attacked Pathankot air base killed, combing operations still on

The encounter between terrorists and security forces at the Pathankot air force base has been going on for more than 50 hours.

The encounter between terrorists and security forces at the Pathankot air force base has been going on for more than 50 hours.

Latest Updates: 

• According to reports, body of the fifth terrorist has been blown to pieces in a blast triggered by security forces. The body of the sixth attacker is yet to be retrieved from the rubble of the building which was blown off during anti-terror operation.
• Top government sources have confirmed to India Today that the fifth terrorist has been gunned down. The sixth attacker is also believed to be killed as no firing has been reported from the two terrorists since 7.30pm yesterday.
• Mopping operation is taking time as forces on the ground have been instructed not to buy any further casualties.
• It may take some hours before the security agencies declare the operation over, sources said.
• Home Ministry sources told India Today that tactics used by attackers in Pathankot show that they have received hard core military training, better than the 26/11 attackers. They have been trained by professional armymen, sources said. 
• 2 remaining terrorists holed up inside double-storey IAF living quarters at Pathankot airbase, NSG confirms. Operations still on.
• NSA Ajit Doval has cancelled his China visit in the wake of terror attack on Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Pathankot. |READ
• All strategic assets at the airbase are safe. No civilian casualty so far.
• Operations for this airbase are going on smoothly. Given the magnitude, joint ops have been launched: IG, NSG
• Combined and synergised operations are underway. Area is very large, combing operations are going on. It might take long time before we declare the area secure: IG, NSG. Operation to eliminate terrorists being done jointly by NSG and Garud commandos.
• Eliminated 4 terrorists, operations to eliminate 2 more possible terrorists in the final stage: IG, NSG
• Air Force has called journalists inside the air base for a press conference scheduled to start shortly.
• Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Pathankot encounter at 7 RCR. Parrikar took extensive briefing from Army and the IAF chief in the morning.
• No fresh firing reported from inside the air base. Confirmation of whether the terrorists are eliminated or not only after bodies are recovered.  
• NSG DG arrives at Pathankot air base.
• More quick reaction teams sent to Air base in Pathankot. Air surveilence is being conducted by choppers.
• Home Secretary has clarified that only 4 terrorists have been killed so far and at least 2 more are still holed up.
• Firing and explosions were heard at least thrice on Sunday - the second day of the fierce encounter.
• 7 security personnel have been martyred in the terror attack. 
• This includes a lieutenant colonel of the NSG, 5 personnel of defence service corps and an air force commando.

Various security agencies, including the Army, Indian Air Force, Central forces and Punjab Police are involved in the joint operation. A large cache of arms and ammunition have already been recovered during the sanitisation and search operations. IAF helicopters were also seen flying over the base and nearby areas to assist the ground forces in the operations.

In the wee hours on January 2, the group of terrorists in army fatigues had attempted to storm the base with the obvious intent of destroying MiG-21 fighter jets and MI-25 attack helicopters housed there.

The attackers were believed to have infiltrated from Pakistan and there was speculation that they may belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad headed Maulana Masood Azhar of the Kandahar hijack episode.

The terrorists were carrying Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, 52 mm mortars, AK rifles and GPS machine.

Based on intercepts, security agencies believe that one Nazeer from Bahawalpur in Pakistan was leading the group.

Defence sources believe the terrorists sneaked into the nearly 2000-acre air base through a forested area where they were confronted by the Quick Reaction Team of Garud commandos. They managed to go up to 400 metres but were still 700 metres away from the area where the IAF aircraft fighters were stationed.

Delhi on high alert

Intelligence agencies have warned of a possible terror strike in the national capital. According to  reports, two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) men have sneaked into Delhi to carry out a Pathankot-like terror strike in the city.

According to the intelligence inputs, JeM operatives might carry out high profile strike and there could be hostage crisis.

Delhi's police chief BS Bassi has met senior officers to discuss the input and security has been increased at all tourist spots, airport and railway stations in Delhi.

Earlier in the morning, several trains were halted and some delayed after a bomb scare at New Delhi Railway station.