Pakistan: 7 terrorists, 1 soldier killed in Kamra airbase attack

Islamabad: A group of terrorists on Thursday stormed a key Pakistan Air Force base at Kamra in Punjab province, triggering an intense gun battle with the security forces that lasted over four hours. Pakistani officials said there were eight terrorists, out of whom seven had been killed.

Officials said the bodies of five terrorists have been recovered. Sources also suggest that the dead body of one suicide bomber strapped with explosives has been recovered. The airbase was now completely under the control of Pakistani commandos. While the gun battle was over, search was on for the remaining terrorists.

One security personnel was killed in the terror attack on Kamra airbase. Four security personnel were injured. Officials said one aircraft has also been damaged.

The terrorists, some of whom were reportedly wearing military uniforms, sneaked into the Kamra airbase at about 2 am despite a state of high alert at the facility.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the terrorists could have had internal help from elements within the airbase. The terrorists reportedly entered base from Pind Suleman Makhan, a village adjoining the PAF facility.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has put security forces on a high alert at airports across the country.

The PAF sought help from the Army and troops from the Rawalpindi-based 111 Brigade were dispatched to Kamra. Witnesses told the media they had heard intense firing and several explosions from within the airbase.

A statement issued by the PAF confirmed the attack and said troops had surrounded the terrorists and engaged them.

Kamra is an airbase located 85 kilometres from Islamabad. This is where the Pakistan Air Force assembles JF-17 jets. Normally, more than 30 aircraft remain parked at the base at a time.

This was the latest in a string of brazen attacks on Pakistani military installations. In the past, militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban have attacked the army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and a key naval airbase in the port city of Karachi.

With Additional Inputs From PTI

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