Pakistan Air Force (PAF) training base located in Northern Pakistan's Mianwali in Punjab province was attacked by terrorists on Saturday morning. A group of nine militants attacked the airbase early morning on Saturday leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire, in which all terrorists were killed, Dawn reported, quoting Pakistani military’s media wing.

As per the reports, the Taliban-linked group Tehreek-e-Jihad has claimed responsibility for the attack. It is said that the attackers used a ladder to enter the fenced walls of the airbase while six of the attackers were heavily equipped with weapons. In the attack, multiple planes parked inside the base were damaged. The attack and the extent of damage have been confirmed by the Pakistan Army, as per a Hindustan Times report.

Following the attack early morning on Saturday, the Pakistan Armed Forces shared the details of the terror strike in an official statement.

“On 4 November 2023, in the early hours of the day, Mianwali Training Air Base of Pakistan Air Force came under a failed terrorist attack which, Alhumdulliah, due to the swift and effective response by the troops, has been foiled and thwarted, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets,” read the statement, reported HT.

“Demonstrating exceptional courage and timely response, three terrorists were neutralised even before they could enter the base while the remaining 3 terrorists have been cornered or isolated due to timely and effective response by the troops,” the statement added.

In an afternoon update, the military confirmed that the “combing and clearance operation at PAF Training Airbase Mianwali has been concluded and all nine terrorists have been sent to hell”.

It added that the operation was launched to “eliminate any potential threat in the surrounding area following the cowardly and failed terrorist attack on the base this morning”.

The ISPR further said that no damage had been done to any of the PAF’s functional operational assets, while only some damage was done to three already phased-out non-operational aircraft during the attack.

According to the Pakistan Air Force, three already grounded aircraft and a fuel bowser were damaged during the attack.

Meanwhile, several visuals of the attack have been shared on social media. One of the Pakistan-based X users shared a video clip on the platform and wrote, “Air force base under large scale attack, Heavy firing & Explosions reported. Many Suicide Bombers have also attacked the Airbase.”

#Pakistan (Mianwali)