Explosives-laden drones hit technical sector of the Jammu airport; 2 injured
- Jun 27, 2021,
- Updated Jun 27, 2021, 12:21 AM IST
JAMMU: Two explosive-laden drones crashed into the Indian Air Force station (IAF) at Jammu airport early Sunday, possibly marking the first time suspected Pakistan-based terrorists have utilised unmanned aerial vehicles in an attack, according to officials.
Two IAF soldiers were injured after two explosions occurred within six minutes of each other at 1.40 a.m.
The first bomb blasted the roof off a single-storey building in the Satwari region of the city's technical area of the airport, which is manned by the IAF. The second one was on the ground, official stated.
The possibility of a terror attack was not ruled out.
The aerial distance from Jammu airport to the international border is 14 kilometres.
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Investigators are working to identify the two drones' flight paths.
According to the office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the incident was discussed with Vice Air Chief, Air Marshal H S Arora.
In a Twitter post, the IAF said two "Two low intensity explosions were reported early Sunday morning in the technical area of Jammu Air Force Station. One caused minor damage to the roof of a building while the other exploded in an open area.”
“There was no damage to any equipment. Investigation is in progress along with civil agencies,”IAF added.
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Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, who is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, has been informed about the incident, according to officials.
Earlier in the day, a representative for the defence said, "An explosion was reported within Air Force Station Jammu. No one has been injured, and no equipment has been damaged. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is awaited."
According to sources, a high-level discussion was taking place at the Air Force station, with senior police and Indian Air Force officials in attendance.
The Air Force station was visited by various investigation teams, including those from the IAF and the National Investigation Agency.
Jammu airport is a civil airport with the runway and the ATC (air traffic control) under the IAF.
Jammu airport is a civil airport with a runway and ATC (air traffic control) operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).