Islamabad: There was panic in Karachi late on Saturday night when terrorists carried out a suicide attack on the headquarters of Sindh Rangers. The sound of the explosion was so loud that people several kilometers away lost their sleep. In this attack, 4 Rangers soldiers were martyred, while in retaliation, 6 attackers were also killed. Many soldiers are injured and are undergoing treatment.
How did the attack happen?
According to initial information, the terrorists took a vehicle laden with explosives and rammed directly into the main gate of the headquarters. As soon as the collision occurred, there was such a huge explosion that all trace of the gate was erased. Immediately after the blast, the remaining terrorists sitting in the car got down and started firing indiscriminately inside the camp. Rangers’ soldiers immediately took charge. After this, rapid firing took place from both sides. The operation was conducted by surrounding the entire area and after an encounter of about one and a half hours, the situation was brought under control.
Who took responsibility for the attack?
According to the news of news agency Reuters, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, an organisation associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, is behind this attack. The organisation itself issued a statement saying that this attack was carried out by the suicide squad of its ‘Khulfa-e-Rashideen Istishhadi Brigade’. This is the same brigade which has targeted Pakistani army and police earlier also.
What is the condition of the area after the attack?
After the blast the entire area turned into a cantonment. Security forces sealed an area of several kilometres around the headquarters. There are universities and government offices nearby, heavy forces were deployed there also. Common people were stopped from coming and going. Bomb squad and dog squad teams were also called and every nook and corner was searched. There is an atmosphere of panic among the people.
What did the Chief Minister of Sindh say?
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over the incident in the night itself. He spoke to IG Sindh and DG Rangers on phone and asked for a complete report. The CM clearly said that the families of the martyred soldiers will not be left alone. Also, police and agencies have been ordered to reach the spot and handle the situation and find out the network of the attackers.
Why are terrorist attacks increasing in Pakistan?
The situation in Pakistan has been continuously worsening for the last 2-3 years. Attacks on army, police and rangers have increased especially in Karachi, Peshawar and Balochistan. The Pakistani government itself admits that TTP and its affiliated groups operate from the Afghanistan border. After attacking, terrorists often cross the border. For this reason, there is tension between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban. Experts believe that unless the border is controlled, it will be difficult to stop such attacks.
