Seven security force personnel have been killed after a terrorist attack at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Pathankot, Punjab, on 2 January.

The attack at the military base follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit with Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in an effort to restore bilateral talks between the countries.

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The three day-long struggle came to a halt after the nation’s security personnel killed five of the suspected militants who executed the attacks.

"We have confirmed that no Kashmiri or local Punjabi’s from India were involved in the attack in any way."

The attack resembled the previous suspected attacks by the Pakistan-based militant groups, reported Reuters.

However, none of the terrorist organisations have claimed responsibility for the attack that injured 20 people.

A top intelligence source was quoted by India Today as saying: "The terrorists were from Pakistan and their identities have been proven beyond doubt, they were speaking in distinct Pakistani dialect.

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"We have established the identity of the handlers of the killed terrorists.

"We have confirmed that no Kashmiri or local Punjabi’s from India were involved in the attack in any way.

"This attack was masterminded in Rawalpindi."

The city of Punjab has witnessed a series of such attacks in the last decade including an attack in 2001, three in 2002, and one each in 2006, 2007 and 2015.

Meanwhile, the Indian consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif was attacked by another terrorist group in the early hours of 4 January.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry has confirmed the safety of the consulate staff.

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