Kamra airbase attack: Pak sounds red alert at its airports

August 17, 2012 05:34 pm | Updated December 04, 2021 11:07 pm IST - Lahore

Pakistani security personnel guard the main entrance of airforce base in Kamra on August 16, 2012.

Pakistani security personnel guard the main entrance of airforce base in Kamra on August 16, 2012.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has sounded a red alert at all airports across the country following the terrorist attack on Kamra airbase, a senior official said on Friday.

“Due to the present uncertain situation in the country, all airports have been put on red alert,” said Hamid Gardezi, Principal Director of Airport Services.

He directed all airport managers to beef up security and ensure full coordination with security agencies and the local administration.

“The managers of airports used by both civilian flights and military aircraft should coordinate with concerned authorities for enhancing security arrangements,” he said.

Gardezi further directed authorities to step up surveillance and vigil at the entry and exit points of airports, terminal buildings, car parks, navigational aids, and areas around the runways.

He asked all airport managers, airport security organisations and fire and rescue services to exercise extra caution.

A group of heavily-armed terrorists stormed the Kamra airbase in Punjab province early yesterday.

Nine militants and two security personnel were killed in a three-hour standoff at the airbase.

A Saab-2000 surveillance aircraft was damaged by the attackers.

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out to avenge the killing of Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud and al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden

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