NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — Pathankot Air Force Base, which was attacked by Pakistan-based terror groups, is being targeted by terrorists again. Intelligence agencies have received credible intelligence reports that terrorists plan to strike the base again.
In light of this threat, "shoot-on-sight" orders have been issued around the periphery of the base.
Pathankot AFB spreads over 16 square kilometres and houses around 5,000 people.
Pathankot AFB was attacked in January this year when a group of armed terrorists entered the air base; in the ensuing gun battle, seven security personnel lost their life.
Defense experts opine that Pathankot is one of the largest air force bases in India and its security is of prime concern.
"What we have witnessed earlier at Pathankot air force base should not happen again in any of our bases. The government should take the utmost care and provide adequate security to all the air forces bases in India. The Pathankot Air Force Base terror attack has proven that our bases are vulnerable and there should be a thorough review of security at all the Indian air force bases. First and foremost, the government should demolish all illegally-built buildings within a meter of the air force bases," Wing Commander (Rtd) Prafull Bakshi told Sputnik.
