Pathankot (AFP) - A major operation to secure an Indian air force base attacked by suspected Islamist militants has ended, police said Saturday, 14 hours after gunmen wearing army uniforms infiltrated the installation in northern Punjab state.

"The operation is just over. All four terrorists are dead,"said Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, Deputy Inspector General of police for Pathankot region.

Singh did not confirm reports that up to three Indian security personnel had been killed carrying out the operation.

The attackers, suspected to be from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed Islamist group, struck at Pathankot air base at around 3:30 am (6am Singapore time) Saturday.

"They are from Jaish, Jaish has claimed responsibility," Indian army Lieutenant General Satish Dua told reporters in televised remarks.