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Nine terrorists killed as attack on PAF Mianwali base thwarted: ISPR

By Staff Report
  • Air Chief commends troops for unwavering professionalism, bravery in foiling malicious attempt
  • PAF’s operational assets remain safe, only some damage done to three already phased-out aircrafts
  • Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan claims responsibility for attack in statement sent to journalists

RAWALPINDI: The security forces eliminated nine militants in a clearance operation after a terrorist attack on Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Mianwali Training Air Base was “foiled and thwarted” in a swift response by the troops, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.

The air base was targeted by militants earlier on Saturday, however, the security forces foiled the attack and launched an operation to eliminate any potential threat in the surroundings.

“Alhumdolliah, the combing and clearance operation at PAF Training Airbase Mianwali has been concluded and all nine terrorists have been sent to hell,” said the military’s media wing.

The statement added that the clearance operation was launched to eliminate any potential threat following the cowardly and failed terrorist attack on the base this morning.

“No damage has been done to any of the PAF’s functional operational assets, while only some damage was done to three already phased-out non-operational aircraft during the attack,” added the statement.

ISPR further said that the prompt and professional conclusion of the operation serves as a stark reminder to all enemies of peace that PAF remains vigilant and is fully capable of defending the homeland from any threat.

Chief of Air Staff visit to PAF Base Mianwali

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid a visit to the air base following clearance operation and commended the security personnel for their unwavering professionalism and bravery in thwarting the malicious attempt and neutralizing the intruders in the minimum possible time.

Chief of the Air Staff interacted with the base personnel, expressed his utmost appreciation for their exceptional commitment to putting service before self and reiterated the required level of readiness of each & every person in the Pakistan Air Force to counter any malicious intent of hostile elements & terrorist outfits.

He lauded the morale of base personnel and highlighted the collective resolve of PAF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.

He also thanked the joint operations team comprising Zarar Company of Pakistan Army and civil LEAs for their timely support to counter the infiltration most optimally.

Speaking at the occasion the Air Chief stated, “The security scenario demands our unwavering vigilance and commitment. We stand resolute against any threat to our beloved nation. Pakistan Air Force will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.”

The visit of Chief of the Air Staff serves as a strong message of solidarity and reassurance to the entire Pakistan Air Force personnel, inspiring them to remain steadfast in their duty to protect the nation. It also showcases the PAF’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, bravery and dedication.

TJP claims responsibility for attack

Militant group Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to journalists by its spokesperson.

TJP came to the fore only this year and little is known about the group, which has carried out a string of high-profile attacks in the country, including martyring 12 soldiers at a Pakistani military base in the southwestern province of Balochistan in July.

A day earlier, at least 17 troops were martyred in different terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces.

Two vehicles of the security forces moving from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district were ambushed by terrorists,” the military’s media wing said in a brief statement on Friday evening. “Fourteen soldiers embraced shahadat in the unfortunate incident,” it added.

The funeral prayers of the soldiers were offered at Pasni and they would be laid to rest in their hometowns.

Senior serving military and civil administration officers and troops were in attendance.

In two other attacks in K-P, intense encounters between security forces and militants in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts martyred three troops.

The clashes occurred during intelligence-based operations in the region, said ISPR.

PM commends security forces

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar commended the security forces, saying that the valiant PAF has proven its mettle by thwarting the terrorist attack once again.

“The valiant Pakistan Air Force has once again proven its mettle by thwarting a cowardly terrorist attack in Mianwali. Any attempt to undermine our security will meet with unwavering resistance. The nation stands with you and we salute your courage and resolve,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

“Such acts are utterly reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the martyred and injured. Pakistan stands resolute against terrorists,” he said in a post on X.

Interim interior minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the names of terrorists involved in today’s and yesterday’s attacks “must have been different but the enemy behind the scenes is the same”.

He termed the current wave of terror a “conspiracy to make Pakistan a target of uncertainty and instability once again”. The minister vowed that all civil and military institutions will unite to combat terrorism.

Former PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terror attack, saying that these repeated attacks reveal our enemies’ desperation, but the country stands resilient.

“Our forces are vigilant, united to defeat terrorism. We’re determined to preserve peace and stability. Prayers for the affected families and our brave security personnel,” he added.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf also condemned the attack and lauded the armed forces for swift response.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the brave sons of homeland over foiling the assault of terrorists on Mianwali Training Air Force Base. CM acknowledged that the security forces by taking timely action foiled nefarious designs of the terrorists and consigned them to hell. CM stated that we salute the brave sepoys of security forces.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the security forces as well for “risking their lives and foiling the terrorists’ plans”.

In a statement shared by the party’s official social media account, he was quoted as saying that the nation stood with the Pakistan Army to end terrorism.

“Our war against those who build walls of hatred will continue until the end of the last terrorist,” the PPP co-chairman and Chairman said.

 Funeral prayer of martyrs of Gwadar ambush offered

Meanwhile, funeral prayer of martyrs of Gwadar terrorist attack was offered at Pasni on Saturday.

The funeral prayer was attended by senior serving military and civil administration officers and troops. Shuhada will be laid to rest with full military honour in their respective hometowns.

In a statement, the ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminate the menace of terrorism at all costs.

 

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