The Mianwali Training Air Base of Pakistan Air Force was attacked by nine terrorists on Saturday early morning and multiple planes in the facility were destroyed in the attack, according to the Pakistani military.
The Pakistani Army said all of nine terrorists were "sent to hell" and confirmed that some damage was done to three phased-out non-operational aircraft during the attack. The army confirmed that no damage was done to any of the PAF's functional operational aircraft.
The attackers climbed the fenced walls using ladders to enter the high security air base in Punjab province, according to Reuters.
The Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement, "On Nov 4, 2023, in the early hours of the day, Mianwali Training Air Base of Pakistan Air Force came under a failed terrorist attack which, Alhumdollilah, due to the swift and effective response by the troops, has been foiled and thwarted, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets.”
Three attackers were neutralised before they could enter the base while three others were corned by the troops, said Pakistani military sources.
Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a militant group affiliated of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, reported Reuters.
Three grounded aircraft and a fuel tanker were destroyed in the attack, according to the military. "However, during the attack, some damage to three already grounded aircraft and a fuel bowser also occurred. A comprehensive joint clearance and combing operation is in final stages to completely clear the area. Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating menace of terrorism from the country at all costs," the military's statement added.
Videos doing rounds on social media showed a purported Pakistani military aircraft burning. However THE WEEK could not independently verify the visuals.
Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar condemned the incident, saying, "Any attempt to undermine our security will meet with unwavering resistance."
The attack in Punjab province comes in the backdrop of a terrorist attack in Balochistan's Gwadar and bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat.
