New Delhi:
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi addressed the media on Pathankot terror attack.
Here are the highlights:
Intelligence, Air Force was alerted after attack on SP
Due to surveillance and alert they were unable to move to the technical area - their target
They were contained in a non-operational area and surrounded and combing operations were started
By the evening operations had to be done more carefully
But the terrorists were cordoned and therefore they could not escape
This morning at least 2 more terrorists were engaged since 12:20
We are very hopeful by evening two terrorists shall also be neutralised
While searching the body of a terrorist there seems to have been an explosion
5 NSG commandos injured, the Lieutenant Colonel of NSG Niranjan Kumar succumbed to injuries
The Air Force has lost 6 personnel and 8 have been injured
Due to active intelligence inputs and advance information and quick action taken by security forces, we have been able to ensure that there is no damage to the assets of the Air Force
The apparent main aim of the terrorists stands defeated
Air Marshal Anil Khosla
The sacrifice of security personnel foiled terrorist plans
At 3:30 morning yesterday, fire was opened by terrorist on patrols - first engagement; then they were contained and not allowed to go to technical area.
At night operations slowed down and area was cordoned
In the morning we realised two more terrorists there. The operation at a mature state but confirmation only on recovering bodies