On January 2, 2016, the Indian Air Force's Pathankot Airbase was attacked by a group of militants, marking a devastating and deadly event in India’s fight against terrorism. The attack, carried out by militants linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed the lives of at least six soldiers and several attackers after a 17-hour battle. The airbase, a crucial part of India's Western Air Command, became the site of intense combat that would reverberate through India-Pakistan relations for years to come.

The Attack Unfolds

The assault began on the early morning of January 1, 2016, when armed militants dressed in Indian Army uniforms breached the high-security perimeter of the Pathankot airbase. They infiltrated the base using the thick elephant grass surrounding the area, making their entry via a nylon rope that was found on the 3.4-meter-high wall. Equipped with grenade launchers, AK rifles, and a GPS device, the attackers moved swiftly into the base.

Initial reports suggest that the militants aimed to destroy aircraft and helicopters stationed at the base, which were crucial assets for India's defense operations. They succeeded in making their way about 400 meters into the base but were halted by Garud commandos, who confronted them in a forested area. The attackers were armed with heavy artillery and explosives, including mortars and grenades.

A Lengthy Battle

The ensuing gun battle led to the deaths of four attackers and two security personnel on January 2, 2016. Another security officer succumbed to injuries a few hours later, raising the toll of Indian security personnel. The battle, however, didn’t end there. The attackers remained elusive, and further gunshots and explosions were heard, signaling more militants were at large inside the base.

The Indian Army intensified its search operation, named "Operation Dhangu," to neutralize the remaining militants. By January 4, a fifth attacker was killed, and the operation continued as security forces combed the area. Tragically, the violence claimed additional lives, with three more soldiers dying due to an IED explosion on January 3.

International and Domestic Repercussions

The attack, claimed by the United Jihad Council-- a Kashmir-based militant organization—was widely condemned internationally. While the group took responsibility, it was speculated that the attackers were members of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based group designated as a terrorist organization by India, the US, and several other nations.

The attack deepened the already strained relations between India and Pakistan. Evidence found at the site of the attack indicated that the militants likely crossed into India from Pakistan, which further fueled tensions between the two countries. The attack also raised concerns that it was an attempt to derail peace talks meant to stabilize the fragile diplomatic relations between the neighboring nations.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Pathankot attack remains a somber reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism. The attack also led to greater scrutiny of the security measures at Indian military installations and the relationship between India and Pakistan. As of 2023, the impact of the attack continues to affect the dynamics of the two countries, with relations remaining largely unresolved.

In October 2023, Shahid Latif, the alleged mastermind behind the attack and a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Pakistan, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of terrorism-related conflicts in the region.

The Pathankot attack of 2016 stands as one of the most significant security challenges faced by India. The lives lost and the bravery of the security forces during the operation exemplify the sacrifices made in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The event not only shook the nation but also served as a grim reminder of the volatility in the region and the fragile nature of peace between India and Pakistan.