Pakistani Militants Attack Karachi Airport, 24 Dead | WPN World People News

Heavily-armed militants stormed the main airport in Karachi, Pakistan Sunday, leading to a five-hour gun battle with police and soldiers that left at least 24 people dead.

Officials say all 10 gunmen were either shot by police or blew themselves up with suicide vests.

At least 10 security personnel were also killed, along with four airport staff members.

The army said the airport had been secured by dawn Monday. However, the army is reported to have relaunched its operation hours later as gunfire was heard inside the airport.

Officials say the militants wore disguises resembling airport security uniforms and used hand grenades and rocket launchers to blast their way into the terminal at Jinnah International Airport.

Several large explosions were heard throughout the gunfight with police that lasted well into Monday morning.

Passengers were evacuated to safety and none were hurt.

The Pakistan Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. The militant group recently held failed peace talks with the Pakistani government.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attackers.

Hours earlier Sunday, suspected Sunni Muslim militants killed at least 23 during a suicide attack on buses carrying Shi'ite pilgrims in the town of Taftan, in Baluchistan province on the border with Iran. Baluchistan's home minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, says security forces killed one bomber while three others blew themselves up.

Source: Voice of America