Karachi Terror Attack: 4 Pakistani soldiers killed, 6 militants neutralised after 90-minute gun battle
armed terrorists stormed the Sindh Rangers headquarters in Pakistan's Karachi on Saturday night, triggering a fierce 90-minute gun battle. The attack marks the city's deadliest terror strike in nearly two years.
According to Pakistani security officials, the assault began around 8:30 pm when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the main gate of the Sindh Rangers' Bhittai Wing headquarters in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar area. The powerful blast breached the compound, allowing the attackers to enter and open indiscriminate fire while hurling hand grenades.
Rangers personnel immediately retaliated, while Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos and the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) joined the operation. Security forces eventually killed six militants and captured one injured attacker alive after an intense exchange of gunfire. Four Rangers personnel lost their lives during the operation.
Emergency responders from Rescue 1122 Sindh rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a major explosion near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 5. Authorities sealed off the area, urged residents to remain indoors and temporarily cut electricity in nearby neighbourhoods to support the counter-terror operation.
The banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistani officials said the group has primarily operated in the country's northwestern regions but has increasingly targeted security installations.
The attack comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban-led Afghan government of providing safe havens to TTP militants, allegations Kabul has consistently denied. Analysts warn that the latest attack could further strain relations between the two neighbours.
Pakistan's military has vowed to retaliate against those responsible, describing the assault as an attempt to destabilise the country's security environment. The incident has also reignited concerns over the resurgence of militant violence in major Pakistani cities after years of relative calm.
