Six terrorists were killed in Pakistan's Karachi after an attack on a Sindh Rangers compound on Saturday night. Four paramilitary personnel were killed in the assault, which is being seen as the city's first major terrorist strike since October 2024. One terrorist was reportedly captured alive.
An explosion and heavy gunfire were reported on Saturday on a major road near several universities and the Pakistan Meteorological Department in Karachi, according to local media outlets ARY News and Geo News, Reuters reported.
Witnesses said they heard a loud blast followed by intense gunfire in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar neighbourhood near several universities and the Meteorological Department.
90-minute-long gun battle
According to PTI, citing sources, the attackers belonged to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a militant faction of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They stormed the Sindh Rangers' Bhittai Wing headquarters in Karachi's densely populated Gulistan-e-Jauhar area around 8.30 pm.
The terrorists allegedly rammed an explosive-laden vehicle through the main gate of the Rangers compound before entering the premises and hurling hand grenades, triggering multiple explosions.
The nearly 90-minute gun battle ended after Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos and the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) joined Rangers personnel in eliminating six terrorists and capturing one injured attacker alive.
Six terrorists killed, one captured following attack on Rangers base in Pakistan's Karachi; 4 soldiers dead. pic.twitter.com/Ceg1k54wPP
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At least four Sindh Rangers personnel were killed in the attack.
Authorities immediately sealed off the compound and surrounding roads as heavy exchanges of gunfire continued. Residents were asked to remain indoors, while some nearby neighbourhoods experienced power outages during the operation.
After another blast, intense firing was also reported near Meteorological Chowrangi on University Road. Special units, including the Rapid Response Force and police commandos, were rushed to the scene, according to Pakistan's Dawn.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot
Rescue 1122 Sindh said it received reports of an explosion near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 5 and immediately dispatched emergency teams from its central command and control centre.
Who was behind the attack?
Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a militant faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack on the Sindh Rangers headquarters. According to reports, the assault was carried out by its suicide squad, Khulafa-e-Rashideen Ishtishhadi Brigade.
The TTP has largely operated in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, carrying out attacks on civilians, security personnel and government officials.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since late last year, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies have repeatedly accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of providing safe haven to the TTP, enabling the group to launch cross-border attacks.
Pakistan's military has, in turn, carried out several strikes on what it says are TTP hideouts and training centres inside Afghanistan.
Reacting to the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said he had "taken notice of the reported sound of an explosion and the alleged firing" and had sought a detailed report.
"Police should immediately reach the scene, determine the nature of the incident, and take all necessary measures," he said in a statement.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in extremist attacks targeting police and security forces in recent years. Authorities have blamed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its allied extremist groups for most of the violence.
