Pathankot terror attack: Terrorist called mother, sought blessing before mission

Pathankot: A little before the Pathankot terror attack started a call was intercept by security agencies that would confirm the horror about to strike.

One of the terrorists called his mother in Pakistan's Punjab province to seek her blessings. According to reports, the attacker asked his mother to bless him before he goes ahead with the fidayeen (suicide) mission.

"Son, please have some food before you lay down your life," the woman is heard replying to her son.

The call was made at 1:58 AM and lasted for about 70 seconds.

Less than two hours later, shots rang out at the Pathankot air base. The 10-hour gun-battle that followed claimed the lives of one Air Force commando and two Defence Service Core (DSC) jawans. Five terrorists have been killed so far.

The intercepted calls - Out of the four calls which were made to undisclosed locations in Pakistan between 12.30 am and 2.00 am, three were made from the attackers to their Pakistan-based handlers, according to reports.

A massive combing operation is still continuing in the area. A total of six terrorists had sneaked into India through Gurdaspur border to target important installations. They were tasked to destroy fighter jets stationed at the air base and inflict heavy damage.