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                     Indian Air Base Battle Enters 3rd Day

   by VOA News

   The battle for control of an Indian air base near the Pakistan border
   entered its third day Monday.

   Military officials say at least two gunmen remain holed up in a
   building that houses living quarters on the base.

   Authorities say at least seven troops and four gunmen have been killed
   in the attack on the Pathankot air base that erupted before dawn
   Saturday.

   One military official said the attackers "had come well prepared and
   heavily armed."   Officials said Indian troops confronted two gunmen in
   a wooded area Sunday as cleanup operations were under way to secure the
   base in Punjab state. Soon after, the sound of explosions and gunfire
   rang out.

   The airbase houses dozens of fighter aircraft.

   Indian Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters that quick action
   by security forces ensured there was "no damage to the assets of the
   air force and that... the apparent main aim of the terrorists stands
   defeated."

   Authorities blamed Pakistan-based Islamic militants for the attack,
   with some reports linking it to the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

   Peace overtures between India and Pakistan picked up momentum last week
   after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced visit to
   Pakistan on December 25.  It was the first trip to the country by an
   Indian prime minister in more than a decade.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/indian-air-base-battle-enters-third-day/3130009.html