The Pakistani faction of the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the Sunday night militant attacks at Karachi Airport that left more than 25 people dead, including 10 militants.
Militants attacked Pakistan’s busiest airport on Sunday night. Gunfire continued at the airport for at least six hours late Sunday into early Monday, a nightlong battle between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and security forces.
The TTP claimed responsibility this morning. “This attack was the revenge of killing of our leader Hakimullah Mehsud and brutal killings of the TTP’s prisoners in jails,” said TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid. “Pakistan used peace talks as a tool of war. We have yet to take revenge for the deaths of hundreds of innocent tribal women and children in Pakistani air strikes.”
The initial attack on Sunday night involved 10 heavily armed militants, some wearing suicide vests, some dressed as police, who seized control of a terminal in the airport used for cargo or private flights for VIPs and senior government officials. They were carrying assault rifles, grenades and rocket launchers and took up positions near the runway.
Explosions and heavy gunfire rang out across the airport as a battle between police and militants ensured. One of the striking images from the attack was the bright orange glow from a fire that was dangerously close to several jets that were unharmed.
Pakistan Army Rangers/.guim
Most passengers were evacuated to a secure location, but witnesses report that more than 60 were stranded in the main commercial terminal where they waited for several hours. All incoming flights were diverted immediately from the airport during the attack.
Farooq Sattar, a senior member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the party that dominates Karachi, was on a London-bound plane as it readied for take-off. The plane was shifted back to its gate, but passengers were not allowed to disembark, which was an anxious wait for the politician.
“I myself called some important officials, saying the main concern of the passengers was: God forbid if they manage to come near our plane – they were already out there on the tarmac,” said Sattar to The Guardian.
Social media played an important role for passengers who alerted their loved ones about the attack. Syed Saim A Rizvi was tweeting from the inside one of the stranded planes at the airport.
Military spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa was tweeting live updates from the scene, and confirmed that all ten militants had been slain by dawn on Monday.
The Pakistan government had been negotiating a peace deal with the TTP and other groups, which floundered. This attack is likely to earn criticism for the government in not brokering a deal and for inadequate airport security. It is one of the most shocking militant strikes that the country has experienced since the seizure of Peshawar Airport in December 2012.
“This act of terror is unforgivable,” said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s defense minister to local television reporters. “The state will give an appropriate response to such cowardly acts of terror. Those who plan and those who execute the terrorist attacks will be defeated.”
In a message on a social networking website on June 9, the military spokesman added that the airport has been handed over to CAA/ASF and would likely re-open at 2:00 PM.
The prime minister’s adviser Shujaat Azeem said that the flights operations would resume at the Karachi airport from 4:00 PM.
However, as per the AFP today, there is reportedly another attack on security checkpost outside Pakistan's Karachi airport, a day after an all-night siege by the Taliban left 37 dead.
"Gunmen are exchanging fire with Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel at a checkpost guarding the airport," an ASF spokesman said. The assault came as Pakistan launched air strikes on a militant-infested tribal district, killing 15 people in apparent retaliation for the Monday assault.
Featured Image: .japantoday
Screenshoots Of Tweets: twitter
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Love Constantly Wants To Be With Me And I'm Exhausted
-
The Coronation Of King Charles III Was A Global Desi Affair
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My In-Laws Introduces Our Kids As Their "Adopted" Grandkids
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Office Romance Wants To Keep Us A Secret
-
The Dishes That Asha Bhosle Wants You To Try At Her Resto Asha's In Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Rude Friend Is Mortifying!
-
Tour The World At Dubai's Amazing Global Village
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Had A Miscarriage And Our Family's "Be Grateful" Sentiments Really Hurt
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Underage Nephew Expects Me To Buy Booze For Him
-
Warm Up To The Fusion Delights Of Ushna in Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Boyfriend Is Pressuring Me To Attend His Sister's Wedding But I Can't Afford It
-
IWD 2023: 11 Inspirational Quotes From Powerful South Asian Women
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My In-Laws Are Giving Me The Cold Shoulder
-
7 South Asian Female Fitness Pros Who Will Level Up Your Workouts
