Blasts rock IAF facility in IIOJ&K

JAMMU: In what is believed to be the first use of drones in a terror attack on an Indian military facility, two blasts took place at the Air Force base in Jammu Airport in the early hours of Sunday.

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel suffered minor injuries in the explosions that took place a little before 2am at the high security airport, reports the international media.

Reports say the explosions, at 1.37am and 1.43am, were heard a kilometer away.

One of the blasts caused damage to the roof of a building in the technical section, while another bomb exploded in an open area.

"The attack at the IAF station in Jammu is a terror attack," said Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh.

An FIR has been registered under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act that allows the arrest of suspects and their detention for up to six months without evidence. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the probe.

Teams from the IAF, the National Bomb Data Centre, forensic experts and the Jammu and Kashmir police are also investigating the attack.

The police chief said another major strike was averted when a terrorist was arrested with an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) that was to be used for a strike "in a crowded place".

The arrest is not linked to the airport attack, Dilbagh Singh said.

"Drones with payload were used in both the blasts at Jammu airfield. Another crude bomb was found by the Jammu police. Jammu airport is a dual use facility under the IAF control, also used to operate passenger flights. Jammu Airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria told PTI there was no disruption in flights.

Several media reports claimed that helicopters of the Indian Air Force in the technical area near the hangars were the target.

Sources keeping track of the development in the case said investigating officials had accessed a CCTV footage. The authorities are also investigating a possible role of a terrorist outfit.

A high-level meeting was underway at the station with senior police and Indian Air Force officials in attendance, sources said.

The blasts took place hours before Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General MM Naravane began a three-day visit to Ladakh to review India's operational readiness and to interact with troops.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office said he spoke to Vice Air Chief, Air Marshal H S Arora, over the incident.

Meanwhile, Pathankot was put on alert, with police setting up 14 security checkposts in the area.