Centre sounds high alert on all airports in aftermath of Karachi terror attacks

New Delhi: All airports have been put on high alert in the wake of the brazen attack on Karachi international airport by Taliban militants in which 29 people were killed.

The move came after Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security in the airports today with top security officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Director of Intelligence Bureau Asif Ibrahim, a Home Ministry official said.

The number of Central Industrial Security Force Quick Reaction Teams has been increased and all security personnel have been instructed to enhance their level of alertness. "Steps to tighten access control at the airports and to strengthen perimeter security have been taken. Anti-hijacking units at the airports are carrying out mock exercises," the official said.

It was also decided to complete the security audits at all airports with a view to strengthen the security. Similar steps are also being taken in all sea ports. "The Home Minister sought inputs on the terror attack on the Karachi airport and ordered that all efforts should be made to foil any such attempts in India," an official said.

After a 13-hour intense gun battle, the attack on Karachi airport by the militants disguised as security forces ended today, also leaving dead all the 10 terrorists who were planning for a lengthy siege of the key facility.

The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack which began just before midnight on Jinnah International Airport, the country's largest airport.