PAF base attack planned in Afghanistan: DG ISPR

Asim Bajwa says 29 people were killed in the attack on the PAF base in Peshawar

Military spokesperson Major General Asim Bajwa said on Friday a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group had planned, executed and operated the attack on Pakistan Air Force base in Peshawar from Afghanistan.

“We have recordings which reveal the attack was planned executed and controlled from Afghanistan,” DG ISPR said while addressing the media in Peshawar, hours after the attack which left 29 dead.

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Confirming the death toll, DG ISPR said, “29 people, including an army captain and soldiers, were killed as Taliban gunmen stormed a Pakistan Air Force base in Peshawar.”

“Around 5am, 13 to 14 militants entered the PAF base.”

“The militants came in a car and used rocket launchers to enter the gate and they divided into two groups. We effectively and instantly curtailed them.”

Elaborating on the attack, the military spokesperson said a quick reaction force reached within 10 minutes and ‘engaged’ the militants. He added that it is possible that the attackers had some sort of inside information.

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“There was a mosque on the side and worshipers were waiting for the azaan, when one group attacked them. Sixteen people waiting to pray were killed and nine people doing wuzu were also killed.”

Bajwa added that the quick reaction force surrounded eight of the militants present in the mosque and killed them. “By 9:30am, all militants had been killed.”

Reiterating the resolve to eliminate terrorism, Bajwa said, “Operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing and will until the elimination of the last terrorist.”