M A I N   N E W S

Terror attack on military base in Karachi
* Multiple blasts, firing kill 4
* Plane destroyed
* 12-15 gunmen holed up in base

Karachi, May 22 
Terrorists attacked a Pakistan military airbase in this southern port city tonight triggering multiple blasts and firing indiscriminately in which four persons were killed.

Geo News channel also reported that a four-engine aircraft was destroyed in the daring attack at the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) Faisal airbase, which also houses PNS Mehran, the naval air station. Terrorists numbering between 12 and 15 were reported to be involved in the attack in the highly-secured area and were believed to be holed up inside late night. A Pakistan Navy spokesman said four persons were killed in a attack by terrorists on PNS Mehran. The spokesman didn't identify the dead but television channels reported they included a foreigner.

The terrorists targeted PNS Mehran where some Chinese engineers were engaged in work within the Faisal airbase, at about 10.40 pm, sources said. The nature of the blasts could not be immediately ascertained. Samaa television channel reported that between 12 and 15 terrorists were holed up in the base and were engaged in heavy gunfire with security forces. Geo television reported that five persons have been taken to hospital for treatment, including a foreigner. Interior Minister Rehman Malik confirmed that a group of terrorists had attacked the airbase. The terrorists were still within the airbase and naval commandos and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers were deployed to counter them, he said. “Terrorists have attacked the Pakistan Naval Mehran base and the terrorists are still in the base and have been engaged by our forces,” Malik said. “We have dispatched Naval commandos and paramilitary rangers to the base to tackle the situation,” Malik said. He said according to initial reports at least four explosions had taken place in the base.

Dawn News channel quoted witnesses as saying that they had heard up to five blasts. Heavy firing continued over 20 minutes after the first blast occurred. The high-security area houses the PA's Southern Air Command, Air War College and museum as well as PNS Mehran, the main naval air station in Karachi. — PTI