Indian security forces battled for a second day to secure an airbase that came under attack by unidentified gunmen on Saturday in the northern town of Pathankot, about 50 kilometers from the border with Pakistan.

Officials say soldiers noticed the presence of two terrorists in a wooded area as combing operations were being carried out on Sunday to secure the base in Punjab state. Soon after, the sound of explosions and gunfire rang out as soldiers mounted an operation to nab them. Four gunmen were killed on Saturday.

Saturday’s attack on the airbase has claimed a total of 11 lives including seven Indian security personnel. Twelve others have been injured.

The airbase houses dozens of fighter aircraft.

Indian Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters that due to quick action by security forces “we were able to ensure there is no damage to the assets of the air force and that therefore the apparent main aim of the terrorists stands defeated.”

The blame for the attack is being put on Pakistan-based Islamic militants, with some reports saying that it could be the handiwork of the Jaish-e-Mohammad group.

Analysts say the attack is an effort to derail a peace process between India and Pakistan, which picked up momentum after Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, made an unnanounced visit to Pakistan on December 25. It was the first trip to Pakistan by an Indian prime minister in more than a decade.
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