KARACHI: A group of armed men launched an attack on Karachi police headquarters on Friday, reported the local media, adding they had forced their way into the building as heavy exchange of fire was heard between the attackers and the police.
A government spokesman said at least two people had been killed in the attack, and 11 more injured.
Security forces retook the building after several hours and killed three militants, the spokesman said. Police commandoes and a bomb disposal squad entered the building and a security sweep was under way.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months after a proscribed network, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), unilaterally called off a cease-fire with the government last November.
A TTP spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.
TTP fighters have launched similar attacks in the past in which they temporarily fortified themselves in government facilities while fighting the police and other security agencies.
“Heavy exchange of fire between attackers and police can be heard outside the police headquarters in Karachi,” said Geo News television.
One of the correspondents of the channel said the attackers were thought to have entered the building where they were fighting with police personnel.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident, saying he had directed the authorities to send additional police force and paramilitary rangers to the police headquarters to handle the situation.
“I want immediate arrest of the accused of the attack on the office of the additional inspector general of Sindh police,” he was quoted as saying by a statement released by his office. “The attack on Karachi Police Chief’s office is not acceptable under any circumstances. I want a report of the incident from the concerned officer as soon as possible.”
* This article originally appeared on Arab News Pakistan edition, click here to read it.