Pakistan’s Mianwali airbase attacked by terrorists, 3 of them gunned down by army

Multiple ‘suicide bombers’ attacked a Pakistan Air Force Base in Mianwali in Punjab on Saturday. Three terrorists were killed in the retaliatory firing, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said.

A group of five to six heavily armed men launched an early morning assault, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Confirming the attack, PAF said they foiled the attack before the terrorists could enter the airbase.

“On 04 November, 2023, in the early hours of the day, Mianwali Training Air Base of Pakistan Air Force came under a failed terrorist attack. Effective response by the troops, has been foiled and thwarted, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets.

Demonstrating exceptional courage and timely response, three terrorists were neutralised even before they could enter the base while the remaining 3 terrorists have been cornered/isolated due to timely and effective response by the troops (sic),” the army said in a statement.

Three planes parked inside the Air Force base were damaged in the attack and a fuel bowser also occurred, the army said.

“A comprehensive joint clearance and combing operation is in final stages to completely clear the area,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan Army said.

The responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP).

Unverified videos of the attack are being widely shared on social media.