Karachi, November 23
Three heavily-armed suicide bombers on Friday stormed the Chinese consulate in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone, police said.
Three suspected suicide bombers were killed by security forces before they could enter the consulate, located in the posh Clifton area, Karachi Police Chief Amir Shaikh said.
Nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov assault rifles, magazines and explosives were recovered from the possession of the terrorists, Geo News reported. “Food supplies and medicines were also recovered from their possession,” officials said.
“We have received two dead bodies of policemen and an injured Chinese security guard who is under treatment,” said Seemi Jamali, the executive director at the Jinnah Hospital.
Two civilians, a father and his son were also killed, officials said. The Sindh government and the Pakistan Army confirmed that three terrorists were killed in the operation.
The heavily-guarded E-Street neighbourhood, which is considered a red zone, is home to a number of upscale restaurants, diplomatic missions and schools.
The Bilawal House of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also in the area. Schools and eateries have been locked down.
“The terrorists first attacked the checkpost outside the consulate and detonated a hand grenade in the area,” Shaikh said. Shaikh said the attackers had parked their vehicle at some distance from the consulate before moving towards it.
Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to condemn the attack. “Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission against Chinese Consulate,” he said. — PTI
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