Two explosions rocked the high security technical area of the Air Force Station Jammu on the intervening night of 26-27 June. Two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel sustained minor injuries but are said to be out of danger.
As per an initial assessment report done by the security establishment, low-flying drones were used to drop the two improvised explosive devices (IED). The likely targets were helicopters parked there. No equipment was damaged, according to the IAF. So far, two suspects have been detained.
The first blast took place on the roof of a building at 1:37 am, while the second five minutes later on the ground at 1:42 am in the Jammu airport complex (technical area of the IAF).
According to the intelligence agency, the attack was carried out from across the border. Initial reports suggest that a large hole in the roof of a building inside the Jammu IAF station indicates that drones were used to target helicopters.
If the drone attack is confirmed, this will be the first such attack on an Indian military base. Jammu and Kashmir DG Dilbag Singh said that in both the blasts, the use of drones with payloads is likely to drop explosive material. Jammu Police has also recovered 5-6 kg IED. This IED was obtained by Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and it was to be planted in a crowded place.
He said that with this recovery a big terrorist attack has been averted. The suspect has been taken into custody during interrogation. More suspects are likely to be caught in the case of this failed IED blast. Police are investigating the matter, along with other agencies.
However, the DGP termed the double blast at the Air Force station as a terrorist attack.
After the blast, the team of NIA, NSG and Special Forces inspected the spot and gathered facts related to it.
Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that an FIR was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after the first two low-intensity blasts at the Air Force Station. The investigation continues.
Meanwhile, a senior IAF official said that the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, who is currently in Bangladesh on an official visit, is constantly monitoring the situation. Necessary instructions have been given to investigate the matter.
Security has been beefed up at all Air Force stations including those in Jammu, Pathankot, Awantipora and Udhampur. There is high alert in Jammu. The security of Mata Vaishno Devi Dham as well as other major places has been tightened.
The Daily Guardian has reported several times in the past about Pakistan trying to use drones to push terrorism in the Valley.
According to intelligence agencies, recently Pakistan had bought drones from China. Payloads of up to 20 kg could be carried through these drones and they were capable of flying up to 25 km at a time. According to sources, the Pakistani Army had given drones to terrorist outfits operating in the Valley and training was conducted in March this year to drop IEDs on a fixed target.
Sources say that its investigation will soon be handed over to the NIA.