At least 18 militants dressed in police uniform arrived at the airport in three high-roof cars in the wee hours of the morning. PHOTO: APP

RAWALPINDI: A militant ploy to attack the Benazir Bhutto International Airport and the Pakistan Air Force's Chaklala Air Base was foiled by security personnel who were on high alert, Express News reported on Thursday.



At least 18 militants dressed in police uniform arrived at the airport in three high-roof cars in the early hours of the morning. The cars used were also made to look like they belonged to the police, with sirens and revolving lights.



The militants tried to enter the airport taking the DIG’s name, however, the security staff did not let them through stating they had received no information or letter regarding such an arrival.



Once the Airport Security Force (ASF) counter checked with police officials, they learned that the DIG was sleeping at his residence.



Details suggested that the militants had wireless technology to listen to communications between the ASF and police officials as they escaped the second they heard that the DIG was sleeping at his residence.



There was allegedly no time for any action, as the militants sped off once they learnt their ploy had been discovered.



A search operation is underway at the airport, the base and nearby residential areas in search of the militants. No information regarding their location has been found as of yet.



Warning administered



Like the Dera Ismail Khan Jail attack, intelligence agencies had already warned authorities in this regard. The National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) of the Interior Ministry, through two different threat alerts, conveyed the information to the police, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and Air Port Security Force (ASF) regarding foolproof security of these airports to foil the attack attempt by terrorists.



The contents of the threat alert based on a secret report, revealed that terrorists of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were planning to carry out attacks on PAF base Chaklala and Benazir Bhutto International airport in the lines of Mehran base.



According to the report, the attackers had already carried out a reconnaissance of PAF with the help of guests and labourers at the base. It also said that some local employees were collaborating with terrorists, while weapons and ammunition would be concealed using cargo companies and agencies.



Another intelligence report was also forwarded to the police, LEAs, ASF and other concerned authorities revealing that terrorist plan to carry out terrorist attacks against Chaklala Air Base and Benazir Bhutto International Airport in near future.



Security measures



Benazir Airport and Chaklala Air Base have been on red alert since last night and more security precautions are being undertaken.



As part of heightened security measures, only ticket-holding passengers are being allowed access into the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.



Since the runway is shared by both the airport and the base, it would have been easy for the militants to cross into the Chaklala Air Base.