Terror attack at major Pak air base; 8 terrorists, 10 soldier killed

Aug 16, 2012 |

Islamabad

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A group of terrorists on Thursday stormed a key Pakistan Air Force base at Kamra in Punjab province, triggering an intense gun battle with security forces.

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, TV news channels reported.

About 10 attackers were involved in the attack and they could have had internal help from elements within the airbase, Geo News channel quoted its sources as saying.

The terrorists reportedly entered base from Pind Suleman Makhan, a village adjoining the PAF facility. The PAF sought help from the army and troops from the Rawalpindi-based 111 Brigade were dispatched to Kamra, TV news channels reported.

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. Media reports said some PAF personnel were injured in the attack though there was no official word on casualties.

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.

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