2nd LD Writethru: Death toll of Indian security forces in airbase attack rises to 7

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 touched seven.

Three security forces personnel were killed on the spot while 12 others injured Saturday while neutralizing four suspected Pakistani militants who had launched the terror attack on the airbase in Pathankot.

"Among those injured, three security forces personnel succumbed to their injuries in a hospital late last night, while a senior Indian Army official died Sunday morning," a police official said.

"The death toll on our side now stands at seven. A senior Indian Army official of the rank of Lietanant Colonel, succumbed to his injuries this morning," he said, on condition of anonymity.

Eight other injured security forces personnel are still undergoing treatment in a hospital where the condition of some are said to be serious, the official said.

All four suspected Pakistani terrorists, who had launched the deadly attack on the airbase in 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