Peshawar, Pakistan: 20 martyred in terrorist attack on PAF Camp Peshawar and Pakistan Army repulsed terrorist attack on PAF Camp Peshawar by killing 13 terrorists.
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took responsibility of the attack:
“We proudly claim responsibility for the attack on Pakistani air base. This base is being used by fighter jets for bombing us.”, said Taliban spokesman Muhammad Khorasani while talking to Reuters news agency.
Terrorists killed 16 persons in a mosque before entering PAF Camp.Terrorists entered a mosque at Fajr prayers and martyred 16 Namazi offering prayers. Mosque is adjacent to Guardroom within the premises of PAF Camp. Majority of Namazis belonged to Pakistan Army.
TTP linked Twitter accounts released photo of those terrorists who were involved in PAF Camp attack. According to photo, around 17 terrorists were involved in attack. Taliban Special Group (TSG) of TTP was involved in attack, said TTP linked twitter accounts.
All educational institutes have been closed down in Peshawar till further orders.
At least two soldiers were Shaheed till the filing of this report. Two technicians Shan and Tariq were Shaheed in mosque where they were performing Fajr Namaaz. Unconfirmed sources claimed that terrorists entered Camp at least one hour before they actually started operation and capture Guardroom and attacking mosque inside PAF Camp.
Terrorists had enough time to plant explosives at different corners of PAF Camp, said sources.
One captain of Pakistan Army Capt. Asfandyar was Shaheed. He was a bravery sword holder soldier. He was born on August 14, 1988— the day of Independence of Pakistan. He was 27 year of age. He joined Pakistan Army in 11 FF regiment.
Camp came under attack on early morning of Friday when soldiers were performing Fajr prayers. The was repulsed by killing over eight attackers.
Update:#COAS arrives Psr.13 terrorists killed so far after have been surrounded.Bodies lying in the compound. pic.twitter.com/54evPUdqyQ
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) September 18, 2015
Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and said that terrorists were acting in desperation but their days were numbered. Interior Minister Ch. Nisar directed high security alert in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. He cancelled his Lowari Tunnel visit due to Peshawar tragedy. Special forces have been deployed on all important government buildings. PM Nawaz Sharif sent Defense Minister Khawaja Asif to Peshawar immediately after receiving briefing from Air Force Chief Sohail Aman.
Chief of Pakistan Army Gen. Raheel Sharif reached Peshawar to meet injured soldiers and he was also briefed at Corps Headquarters Peshawar about the attack. Search operation inside camp is continued till the filing of this report. Terrorists were wearing militia uniform with suicide jackets inside. They came in a Suzuki van– similar style in which they attacked Karachi airport. Chief of Pakistan Army Gen. Raheel Sharif also visited CMH to meet injured of PAF Camp attack after having briefing from his commanders.
Badabair Peshawar is known as an area where Afghans have been living since 30 years and this area has been a base camp of terrorists in past also. Pakistan Army in past found certain places in Badabair Peshawar where vehicles were prepared for suicide attacks. Badabair Peshawar is also known for sales and purchase of stolen vehicles, drugs and weapon smuggling.
It may be mentioned that intelligence agencies of Pakistan Army arrested mastermind of PAF Kamra Airbase from Karachi on Thursday night and this latest attack could be linked to this arrest. Attack continued for over five hours.
Quick Reaction Force (QRF) of Pakistan Army reached the spot and exchange of fire continued for several hours before attack was repulsed. PAF Camp is not operational since 10 years. Area was sealed by security forces after attack and no one was allowed to reach the spot. According to ISPR, one Major Haseeb of QRF was injured in the attack and shifted to CMH Peshawar. Sources said that attackers entered the camp and controlled guard room after some casualties. However, number of causalities of both sides are still not confirmed from independent sources.
“The QRF quickly launched search operation in the surrounding areas of the camp to nab facilitators of the attack. Terrorists attacked the guard room at the camp early in the morning. The QRF reached the scene and surrounded the attackers, isolating them. Around seven to 10 terrorists had attempted to break into the camp. The terrorists had been engaged and contained around the guard room area of the camp. Six while the rest had been confined to a small area. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet”, said ISPR in a release.
It may be mentioned that this PAF Camp is a non operational PAF has no strategic assets there but attack on this area was an indicter that terrorists do not want to stay in peace and wish to keep Pakistan Army engage anywhere there is a possibility to send a message that war against terrorism is yet not over.
Retired Gen Senator Qayyum was of the view that over 70% areas were cleaned in KPK but cross-border movement is continued and terrorists were coming from Afghanistan. When asked to comment, Senator Qayyum said to Dispatch News Desk news agency that terrorists were ruling Kunar, Nouristan and Badhakshan in Afghanistan and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership is livingin Kunar.
Initial information suggested that terrorists entered into PAF camp from two side and in two groups. Terrorists entered from back wall and from front wall corner. They were not engaged till they capture Guardroom.
Developing story
