Defence minister Parrikar admits 'security gaps' at Pathankot air base

Pathankot: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said there were 'gaps' in security at the Pathankot Indian Air Force base, which was attacked by terrorists on Saturday.

“I see some gaps (security related) that will be cleared after investigation,” Parrikar said at a press conference in the airbase.

Parrikar said there were “indications” that the terrorists came from Pakistan but an investigation would establish this. “There are indications from the recovered weapons that the terrorists came from Pakistan.”

Six terrorists had been killed at the airbase where security operation is likely to end tomorrow (Wednesday), he said.

Parrikar also said security forces “have done an excellent job containing these highly motivated terrorists”. He also said that no military hardware was damaged in the fighting at the airbase, which has a fleet of Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jets and Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters.

The attack began before dawn Saturday and dragged on as government troops struggled to contain the heavily armed attackers in the sprawling compound. At least twice it appeared that the attack had ended, but fresh gunfire and explosions erupted both times.