At least four killed after militants storm Karachi police headquarters
At least four people were
killed and 14 were injured after militants stormed the police headquarters in
the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, according to officials.
Militants attacked the police station with hand grenades and shots were fired, an eyewitness told CNN.
Pakistan’s Taliban, known as Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan
(TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack, according to spokesman Mohammad
Khorasani.
Two
policemen, two rangers and one civilian were killed in the attack, according to
Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, the
ruling party in Sindh province where Karachi is located.
Of
the 14 injured, one is in critical condition, he added.
The
siege was brought to an end on Friday, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah
later said the three militants responsible for the attack were killed.
“Three
attackers were behind the attack on the Karachi Police office. All three are
now dead. The police force, rangers and army helped in resolving this
situation. I commend them for their bravery,” he said in a video statement.
During the attack, multiple
shots could be heard ringing through the area where the headquarters is
located, according to footage from the scene, and eyewitnesses described
hearing multiple explosions.
The
attack prompted the Sindh provincial government to declare a state of emergency
in Karachi, according to its spokesperson, Sharjeel Memon.
Pakistani
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the attack. “Terrorists may have
forgotten that Pakistan is the nation which defeated terrorism with its bravery
and courage,” he tweeted.
Pakistan’s
Taliban have been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US State Department
since September 2010.
Pakistani
authorities have yet to confirm any group’s involvement.
Rescue
teams have reached the site of the attack, according to video released by
Chhipa Ambulance Service, in which gunfire could be heard.
Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a Comment