Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news.
Two armed men reportedly approached an Indian Space Research Organization Satellite Center in Byalalu outside Bangalore March 16 according to a spokesman for the organization, which has several sites in and around the southern Indian city. Upon being challenged for what has been reported as suspicious activity -- essentially lurking or approaching too close -- a brief firefight between security forces ensued and the two men, armed only with pistols, reportedly fled. The men appeared neither equipped nor prepared to initiate or sustain any sort of meaningful attack. Thus far, it appears as though the two men escaped following the gunbattle and that no injuries were reported. Occurring between 3:30 and 4 a.m. local time, it is unclear what the intentions were of the two men but it is notable that the security services charged with protecting the center were vigilant enough to detect their presence, note the suspicious behavior and respond in a manner that denied the men any further chance to conduct surveillance or infiltrate the property. However, the sensitivity of India to militant activity -- should it be traced back to Pakistan -- and the oddity of the target (an area involved in satellite launch and control) is inconsistent with most targets of militant activity in India and is a development that will warrant further examination.