1st LD Writethru: Death toll of Indian security forces in airbase attack rises to 6

The death toll of Indian security forces personnel in Saturday's terror attack on a key Indian Air Force base in the northern state of Punjab has reached six.

"Three security forces personnel were killed in the terror attack while three more succumbed to their injuries in a hospital late last night," a senior police official said Sunday.

Nine other security forces personnel, who sustained injuries in the terror attack, are still undergoing treatment in a hospital where the condition of some are said to be serious, he said.

All four suspected Pakistani terrorists, who had launched the attack on the airbase in the state's town of Pathankot, were killed Saturday after a five-hour gun battle.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the security forces for successfully wrapping up the anti-terror operation that was anticipated.

"Enemies of humanity who can't see India progress, such elements attacked in Pathankot but our security forces did not let them succeed," Modi said.

The airbase in Pathankot is a key military facility, where a number of Russian-made MiG-21 combat jets and Mi-35 attack helicopters are stationed.

The attack on the airbase, intended to destroy India's air assets, happened barely a week after Modi made a spontaneous visit to Lahore and met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

Many feel that the militant attack was an attempt to derail the Lahore peace process, a gesture aimed at taking forward the stalled peace talks between India and Pakistan. Endit