KARACHI: At least three terrorists were killed as security forces and police foiled a terror attack targeting the Chinese Consulate in Karachi’s Clifton area, ARY News reported.
Two policemen embraced martyrdom in exchange of fire with the three terrorists armed with suicide jackets. Two civilians were also killed in the attack.
A blast and gunshots rang out early on Friday in the Clifton area, where the consulate is located, and a plume of smoke rose over the area after the explosion.
Karachi Police Chief Amir Shaikh said the three attackers came in a car filled with explosives but failed to get inside the heavily fortified compound.
“They tried to get inside but the Rangers and police killed one of the terrorists,” Shaikh said.
A gun battle broke out with the two other attackers, but they were also killed, he added.
“There were three attackers and all three have been killed,” Shaikh said. “They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section.”
The bodies of terrorists have been shifted to Jinnah hospital and their identification will be soon confirmed as told by Dr. Seemi Jamali, medico legal officer.
‘Chinese officials and staff safe’
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi confirmed that all officials and staff present inside the consulate were safe as security forces foiled the attack within no time.
The foreign minister told media that forces and police killed all three terrorists and secured the area.
“Our priority was to secure the lives of citizens and the consulate staff. The terrorists could not take any hostage, kill or injured anyone.”
Qureshi maintained that an investigation has been launched to unmask those behind the attack.
BLA claims responsibility
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a pro-India militant organization, later claimed responsibility the attack.
A spokesman for the insurgent group told media organizations by phone that all three suicide bombers who tried to enter the Chinese Consulate and were killed belonged to BLA.
BLA also released pictures of all three terrorists claiming they were from its ‘fidayeen’ group.
Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered an inquiry, with his office calling the attack “part of conspiracy against Pak and China economic and strategic cooperation”.
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