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Pakistan: Militants attack Karachi naval air base | Pakistan: Militants attack Karachi naval air base |
(40 minutes 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. | 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 brought in more troops and tackled the militants. | |
The Pakistani Taliban says it is responsible for carrying out the attack. | |
"It was the revenge of martyrdom of Osama Bin Laden. It was the proof that we are still united and powerful," Ehsanullah Ehsan told Reuters news agency. | |
The 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. |
Clouds of black smoke billowed over the Mehran airbase when I arrived about half an hour after the attack began. | |
Ambulances, 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. | |
Initially, there was intermittent gunfire. However, 15 minutes after I arrived there was an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes. | |
We had to lie on the ground as bullets and shrapnel whizzed over our heads. | |
As I left the scene, several army trucks and armoured personnel carriers hurried into the compound to boost the troops battling the militants inside. | |
On Sunday evening at 2230 (1730 GMT) militants stormed three hangars housing aircraft at the Mehran base, according to officials. | 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." |
Their first targets were aircraft parked on the tarmac and equipment in nearby hangers, says the BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan at the scene. | 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. | 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. | "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. |
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