Pakistan boosts security measures at military and sensitive installations following air base attack

Pakistan boosts security measures at military and sensitive installations following air base attack

Security at military and sensitive installations in Pakistan has been heightened in the wake of an attack by militants on an air base over the weekend, according to security officials. The assault on the Mianwali Training Air Base in eastern Punjab province was claimed by Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, a newly formed group. This group has been responsible for a number of attacks, including one in July that resulted in the deaths of nine soldiers and a civilian. The military has stated that the attack on the air base was largely foiled due to a swift response from security forces. Satellite images obtained by The Associated Press show significant damage to the base. All nine attackers were reportedly killed. In response to intelligence reports of potential future attacks, security has been reinforced at military and other sensitive sites. Meanwhile, a militant hideout in the Tirah area was raided by security forces, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and three insurgents. Among the slain soldiers was Lt. Col. Muhammad Hassan Haider, who had led numerous operations against Pakistani militants in the region. The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, have not claimed responsibility for the attack. This group has close ties with the Afghan Taliban, who recently took control of Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO troops withdrew from the country.