4 Killed in Brazen Attack at Chinese Consulate in Karachi
A separatist group from Balochistan has claimed responsibility for attacking the consulate.
advertisement
Four people, including two policemen, were killed in firing near the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, considered a red zone, after three unidentified terrorists entered the compound on Friday, 23 November.
The three terrorists, who open fired in the consulate, were also gunned down by the police. All 21 staff members were evacuated safely from the building.
A separatist group from Balochistan has claimed responsibility for attacking the consulate.
- Unidentified gunmen opened fire near the Chinese consulate in Pakistan’s Karachi city on Friday. Three terrorists, two policemen and two other people were killed in an exchange of fire.
- An explosion was also heard in the high-security Clifton area where the Chinese mission is situated.
- Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Two Policemen, Two Security Guards and Two Civilians Killed in Firing Near Chinese Consulate in Karachi
Two policemen and two civilians were killed in firing near the Chinese Consulate in Karachi's Clifton area.
Explosions and gunfire have been reported by local media. Three suspected terrorists had allegedly tried to enter the Chinese embassy, reported India Today.
Open Firing in Red Zone, Smoke Seen Rising from Building
Some unidentified gunmen in Pakistan opened fire near the Chinese consulate in Karachi, media reports said.
An explosion, the nature of which was not immediately known, was also heard in Clifton area, Dawn News reported.
Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area after an exchange of fire between a security guard and unknown assailants, it said.
The area, considered a red zone, is heavily guarded.
Efforts to Bring Situation Under Control
Mohammad Ashfaq, a local police chief, has confirmed that the security forces were trying to bring the situation under control but the shootout was ongoing, reported The Guardian.
Baloch Separatists Claim Responsibility
Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi.
3 Terrorists, 2 Policemen And 2 Civilians Killed in Attack
According to PTI, the security forces have managed to foil the terrorist attack. Three terrorists were killed in the ambush, along with two policemen and two civilians.
All Staff Members Inside the Consulate Safe: Foreign Min
All 21 Chinese staff members inside the attacked consulate in Karachi are safe, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan has said, reported local media.
Four Injured in the Attack
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho confirmed to local media in Pakistan that four people were also injured in the attack.
The gunmen, armed with automatic weapons, proceeded towards the gate of the consulate after killing the policemen, defence contractor and analyst Ikram Sehgal said.
However, the guards closed the gate and the Chinese officials were taken to a safe location, he said.
Nearby Schools, Eateries Locked Down
Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area after the exchange of fire which began around 9:30 AM (local time).
Shaikh said that the firing has ended and the area was being cleared by police and Rangers.
Nearby schools and eateries have been locked down until the area is cleared.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control.
Baloch Separatist Group Confirms Militants Death
Shortly after the attack ended, the Baloch Liberation Army tweeted the name and pictures of slain militants responsible for the attack.
Criminal Minds Behind the Attack Will Be Brought to Justice: PM Imran Khan
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack and said that all attempts to sabotage CPEC will be defeated.
Pakistani PM Khan has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
“China and Pakistan share a friendship higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest seas. The criminal minds behind this dastardly attack will be brought to justice, PM Khan said, reported PTV.
India Condemns Attack, Says No Justification For Terrorist Attack
Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Friday condemning the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi this morning.
“We condole the loss of lives in this dastardly attack. There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. The perpetrators of this heinous attack should be brought to justice expeditiously. Such terrorist attacks only strengthens the resolve of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement issued by MEA read.
Strongly Condemn the Attack on Consulate: China
In a statement issued by China’s foreign ministry official noted that all staff working in China’s consulate in the Pakistani city of Karachi were evacuated safely and that the attackers did not enter the consulate compound.
The official added that China strongly condemns the attack.
Beijing Will Not Waver on CPEC: Chinese Foreign Ministry
In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China would not waver in its latest big project in Pakistan – the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – and expressed confidence that Pakistan could ensure security.
Following the attack, China had asked Pakistan to beef up security at the mission.
(AP)
Karachi Police Woman Officer Foiled Attack on Chinese Staff
A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police on Friday, 23 November, saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city.
Senior Superintendent Police Suhai Aziz Talpur led the security operation that foiled the brazen attack by members of the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, in Karachi.
She ensured the terrorists, armed with nine hand-grenades, assault rifles, magazines and explosives, did not reach the diplomatic staff inside the consulate building.
(PTI)
Visuals: Aftermath of the Attack
Will Conduct Thorough Investigation: Pak Foreign Minister to China
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi by phone and assured him that a "thorough investigation will be carried out to apprehend the perpetrators their financiers, planners and facilitators" linked to the attack on consulate, according to a foreign ministry statement.
It also quoted Yi as saying that the attack was an attempt to impact Pakistan China relations and to harm the CPEC.
(AP)