At least 13 security personnel, including 11 Navy and two Rangers, were martyred during operation against the militants at Pakistan Navy Airbase here on Monday.
According to the media reports, four militants blew themselves up, while the security forces arrested four militants during the operation.
Army commandos cornered a team of terrorists in a naval base on Monday after the insurgents raided the complex the night before, destroying two US-supplied surveillance aircraft and killing at least 13 security officers, a navy spokesman said.
He said that between 10 and 15 insurgents armed with grenades, rockets and automatic weapons stormed PNS Mehran late on Sunday before splitting into smaller groups, setting off explosions and hiding in the sprawling facility.
“The operation has ended but security officials are searching terrorists in the building”, he said.
The raid was one of the most audacious in years of militant violence in Pakistan. The insurgent s ability to penetrate the high-security facility raised the possibility that they had inside help.
At least 11 navy and two rangers personnel were killed, while 14 security officials were wounded, he said, adding that it was unclear how many militant casualties there were.
According to some media reports no more than 6 insurgents were responsible for the attack.
This is the fourth major attack the group has claimed since the Bin Laden killing, including a car bombing that slightly injured American consulate workers in Peshawar and a twin-suicide attack that killed around 90 Pakistani paramilitary police recruits.
He said that the raid began with at least three loud explosions, which were heard by people who live around the naval air station. It was unclear what caused the explosions, but they set off raging fires that could be seen from far in the distance. The media teams outside the base heard at least six other explosions and sporadic gunfire.
Authorities sent in several dozen navy and police commandos to battle the attackers, who responded with gunfire and grenades. At least two P-3C Orions, maritime surveillance aircraft given to Pakistan by the US, were destroyed, he said.
The United States handed over two Orions to the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony at the base in June 2010 attended by 250 Pakistani and American officials. By late 2012, Pakistan would have eight of the planes.
At least one media report said a team of American technicians were working on the aircraft at the time of the strike, but a US Embassy spokesman said no American was on the base. He also stated there were no foreigners inside the base.
Meanwhile, the naval chief, Noman Bashir, has called a high level meeting to discuss the situation.
There were 4 attackers: Rehman Malik
10 officers were martyred, 15 injured: Rehman Malik
No militants were arrested, all 4 attackers were killed: Malik
2 militants might have run away: Malik
11 Chinese and 6 other foreigners were there, all are safe
NATION IS 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 % frustrated by Zardari-Galani,Rehaman Malik,PPP,MQM,ANP,MLQ worst ever corruppt,incompetent government.Like a sleeping dog rising suddenly barks louder,they to hide their negligence of duty daily self glorify themselves louder and louder on the increasing frustration of nation over their gutter performance.Total naval terrorists acts,similar in last three months by dozens always ended with similar loud outburst of Rehamn Malik.This government and coalition must be kicked in sea and caretaker government with caretaker President is appointed to run the affairs of country honestly and hold free,fair elections of noble,honest,efficient people to carry the nation forward.All parties in coalitiobn,bathakhors,target killers,blackmailers as MQM,ANP,MLQ,PPPZ be banned for ever to cleanse society and polity.
One more attack on the sovereignty of the country in this month and Anti-Pakistan forces proved that Pakistan is a fail state and our strategic assets are vulnerable to sheer threats.20 insurgents stormed PNS Mehran. At least 8 navy and two rangers’ personnel were martyred in the attack. Four insurgents were also killed in the assault.
Read More Here http://www.dunyanews.tv/index.php?key=Q2F0SUQ9MiN…
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