Operation to fully sanitise Pathankot Air base in final phase

PATHANKOT: The operation to fully sanitise the Pathankot Air base, which was attacked by six terrorists last Saturday, is in its final phase with the personnel of NSG, Army and Garud commandos of IAF undertaking the task on the sprawling complex.

The sanitisation operation, which has been going on for the last three days ever since the six terrorists were gunned down, is in the last leg now, Pathankot SSP R K Bakshi said, adding that "entire area will be sanitised soon".

All vehicles and individuals in Pathankot and nearby villages and towns are being thoroughly checked, he said today.

"We are not taking any chances," the SSP said, adding the operation would be over once "the entire area inside the Air Force base and other places in Pahankot are sanitised."

The combing operation is aimed at ensuring that no terrorists are still hiding and there are no booby traps.

The terrorists were carrying AK-47 rifles, modified Under Grenade Barrel Launcher, pistols, Swiss and commando knives, 40-50 kg of bullets besides 3-4 dozens of magazine and mortars.