This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-south-asia-13495127
The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 5 | Version 6 |
---|---|
Pakistan: Militants attack Karachi naval air base | Pakistan: Militants attack Karachi naval air base |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Gunmen have attacked a military base in the Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 soldiers, officials say. | Gunmen have attacked a military base in the Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 soldiers, officials say. |
The attackers are now holding hostages, including Chinese military personnel, at the Mehran naval aviation base. | |
Eight hours after the incident began, blasts and gunfire were heard as security forces tackled the militants. | |
No group has claimed the raid, but the Pakistani Taliban have vowed to avenge the killing of Osama Bin Laden by US special forces on 2 May. | No group has claimed the raid, but the Pakistani Taliban have vowed to avenge the killing of Osama Bin Laden by US special forces on 2 May. |
They have carried out several attacks since then. | They have carried out several attacks since then. |
Battle continues | Battle continues |
On Sunday evening at 2230 (1730 GMT) militants stormed three hangars housing aircraft at the Mehran base, according to officials. | |
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: "We have been able to confine them to one building and an operation is underway either to kill or capture them." | Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: "We have been able to confine them to one building and an operation is underway either to kill or capture them." |
Clouds of black smoke billowed over the Mehran airbase when I arrived about half an hour after the attack began. | Clouds of black smoke billowed over the Mehran airbase when I arrived about half an hour after the attack began. |
Ambulances with sirens wailing stood outside the gate of the compound, which was sealed soon after the attack began. They were joined by dozens of TV satellite trucks and journalists. | Ambulances with sirens wailing stood outside the gate of the compound, which was sealed soon after the attack began. They were joined by dozens of TV satellite trucks and journalists. |
The base is located next to the Shahrah-e-Faisal - Karachi's main road - and many interested onlookers stopped their vehicles to find out what was happening. | The base is located next to the Shahrah-e-Faisal - Karachi's main road - and many interested onlookers stopped their vehicles to find out what was happening. |
In the distance, flames could be seen in the horizon beyond the perimeter wall. | In the distance, flames could be seen in the horizon beyond the perimeter wall. |
Initially, there was intermittent gunfire. However, 15 minutes after I arrived on the scene there was an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes. | Initially, there was intermittent gunfire. However, 15 minutes after I arrived on the scene there was an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes. |
We had to lie down on the ground, as the bullets and shrapnel whizzed over our heads. | We had to lie down on the ground, as the bullets and shrapnel whizzed over our heads. |
Later, as I left the scene, several army trucks carrying dozens of army troops and armoured personnel carriers hurried into the compound to boost the troops battling the militants inside. | Later, as I left the scene, several army trucks carrying dozens of army troops and armoured personnel carriers hurried into the compound to boost the troops battling the militants inside. |
Their first targets were aircraft parked on the tarmac and equipment in nearby hangers, says the BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan at the scene. | |
Eyewitnesses say the militants used rocket propelled grenades to damage and destroy several warplanes. These included the Pakistan navy's premier anti-submarine attack jet - the US made P-3C Orion. | Eyewitnesses say the militants used rocket propelled grenades to damage and destroy several warplanes. These included the Pakistan navy's premier anti-submarine attack jet - the US made P-3C Orion. |
At least two of these multi-million dollar aircraft were set ablaze. | At least two of these multi-million dollar aircraft were set ablaze. |
The gunmen then opened indiscriminate fire, killing several naval personnel as they carried their deadly raid into the heart of the base. | The gunmen then opened indiscriminate fire, killing several naval personnel as they carried their deadly raid into the heart of the base. |
Subsequently, navy commandos and marines launched a counter assault. Dozens of heavily armed army reinforcements also arrived to provide cover. | Subsequently, navy commandos and marines launched a counter assault. Dozens of heavily armed army reinforcements also arrived to provide cover. |
Some of the militants have now been killed, officials say. | Some of the militants have now been killed, officials say. |
The remaining gunmen have taken several officials, including Chinese military personnel, hostage inside a building. Security officials say commandos are now being sent in to clear this area. | The remaining gunmen have taken several officials, including Chinese military personnel, hostage inside a building. Security officials say commandos are now being sent in to clear this area. |
At dawn on Monday, three loud blasts were heard, followed by gunfire. | |
"The operation still continues. It is not over yet," one security official told Reuters news agency. | |
On Friday the Taliban bombed a US consulate convoy in Peshawar, killing one Pakistani. | On Friday the Taliban bombed a US consulate convoy in Peshawar, killing one Pakistani. |
Other attacks by Pakistani militants this month include a raid on a security post that killed two police in the north-west and a twin suicide bombing at a paramilitary police training centre. | Other attacks by Pakistani militants this month include a raid on a security post that killed two police in the north-west and a twin suicide bombing at a paramilitary police training centre. |
Are you in Pakistan? Did you witness the attack? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below | Are you in Pakistan? Did you witness the attack? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |