Fact vs Fiction: Clearing Myths About the Pathankot Attack

Fact: At no point did the attackers reach or damage any aircraft. Indian Air Force officials confirmed that all critical assets, including helicopters and fighter aircraft, remained secure throughout the operation. The terrorists were intercepted in the outer areas of the base before they could access sensitive zones.

Fact: The attack was directed solely at a military installation. No civilian areas were targeted, and civilian casualties were avoided. The Defence Security Corps personnel and NSG commandos bore the brunt of the assault while defending the base.

Fact: Security forces were alerted early due to intelligence inputs and the kidnapping of a Punjab police officer, whose phone later provided crucial leads. While the operation was long, officials stated this was due to the base’s vast area, dense vegetation, and safety protocols designed to prevent any breach of high-value assets.

Fact: Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) established that the attackers were guided by handlers based in Pakistan. Call records, GPS data, and intercepted communications linked the terrorists to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a UN-designated terror organisation.

Fact: While the attackers did not succeed in causing strategic damage, the assault was carefully planned, involving cross-border infiltration, disguises, and logistical support. Its failure was largely due to timely intelligence, layered defence, and sustained counter-terror operations.

Fact: The attack led to significant changes in the security of Indian air bases. Perimeter surveillance was upgraded, coordination between agencies improved, and standard operating procedures were revised for quicker responses to similar threats.

The prolonged nature of the operation, limited real-time information, and political tensions between India and Pakistan contributed to speculation and misinformation. Over time, selective narratives overshadowed verified findings.

The Pathankot attack was neither a complete intelligence failure nor a minor incident. It was a serious security challenge, successfully contained at high cost, and it reshaped India’s approach to protecting critical military infrastructure.