Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed Wednesday that three terrorists were killed while seven were arrested in Saturday’s militant attack on Karachi Naval Dockyard, saying that a former naval officer who was expelled from the navy in 2013 was also involved in the incident. He added that the incident is a blowback of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.
Speaking at the joint session of parliament, the minister said that the conspiracy is not possible without internal help, but added that the arrested terrorists are still being interrogated.
Giving details of the incident, Asif said that the terrorists breached the dockyard’s security where naval security men encountered them and foiled their attempt. Three SMGs, five 9 mm pistols, three intercoms, four suicide jackets, two detonators, handcuffs and other items were recovered from the terrorists, he said.
About the attack on Pakistan Air Force Samungli Airbase, Asif said that security agencies timely encountered the suspicious activity monitored under night vision surveillance on the night of August 14. Four terrorists were killed in the operation, he said, adding that security personnel did not receive serious injuries.
The minister lauded PAF and Pakistan Navy for bravely foiling attacks on Samungli airbase in Quetta and Karachi Naval Dockyard respectively, adding that in both incidents, the terrorists’ attempts to damage strategic assets were foiled.
