Indian Air Force Base Attacked By Gunmen In Punjab

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A group of gunmen has attacked an Indian Air Force (IAF) base in the northwestern state of Punjab that borders Pakistan, local officials said. Fresh gunfire has erupted at the base in Pathankot where four gunmen were killed in a shoot-out with security forces early on Saturday morning. At least three Indian soldiers have also been killed.

At least one helicopter could be seen firing at an area inside the air force base, located about 50km from the Pakistan border. Shots could also be heard from inside the base, Associated Press reported. IAF spokeswoman Rochelle D’Silva said that the gunmen entered the living quarters of the base, about 430km north of New Delhi, but were not able to penetrate the area that houses fighter helicopters and other equipment.

Earlier, officials said the exchanges of fire had ended at the cantonment. The air base has been cordoned off and a heavy contingent of police have been deployed to the area, with elite paramilitary force of the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Guard Commando Force called in.

Aljazeera.