A group of terrorists launched yet another daring attack at Pakistan’s Karachi airport on Tuesday and fled after a fierce gunbattle with security forces. The attackers targeted the Airport Security Forces (ASF) camp in Karachi.
While Pakistani Interior Minister claimed that five people had been killed in the latest attack, Airport Security Forces officer Tahir Ali said that there were no casualties.
“Two terrorists came on a motorcycle and started firing near a ladies hostel. They then fled towards the ASF camp were security personnel challenged them. After a fierce gunbattle, the terrorists fled and forces have launched a search operation,” said Ali.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.
Flight operations which were suspended at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which is adjacent to the ASF camp, resumed after the attack was neutralised. Pakistani Army and Rangers were also called in to take on the attackers who are reported to be seven or eight in number.
Sounds of explosions were also heard, causing panic among citizens in the vicinity. Firing took place at two places near the complex and the terrorists reportedly came from Pehalwan Goth area from the western side of the camp and the airport.
On Monday Pakistan Army and security forces had killed another group of terrorists who had attacked Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport after several hours of fierce gunbattle.
At least 28 people including 10 terrorists had been killed during the shootout in the night. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack on the Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night.
The attack raises further questions about authorities’ ability to secure key facilities in the face of a seemingly resurgent enemy, as a nascent peace process with the Pakistani Taliban lies in tatters
The assault destroyed prospects for peace talks between the Taliban and the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and triggered speculation that the army might opt for an all-out offensive against militant strongholds.
Today’s strike came as Pakistan launched air strikes on a militant-infested tribal district, killing 15 people in apparent retaliation for Sunday night’s terror strike at the airport.
