Karachi airport hit by another Taliban attack, terrorists flee

Islamabad: The Airport Security Force (ASF) Academy`s camp near the Karachi international airport came under attack from heavily-armed Taliban gunmen Tuesday within a day of a terror siege that ended in a toll of 30, media reports said.

The militants later fled the ASF Academy`s camp after a brief gun battle, Dawn Online reported. The attack on the ASF Academy`s camp No.2, near Karachi`s Jinnah International Airport, took place within a day of an audacious strike Sunday night at the airport, in which 20 people and 10 militants were killed. An official confirmed that there were no casualties in the latest attack. He said the airport was secure and operations resumed after a brief suspension. The official said two attackers opened fire near the ladies hostel near D gate, which is located behind the ASF camp. "The ASF checkpost is about 100 metres from the scene. We were informed of the incident by our sentry posted there," the official said. The number of attackers could be between four and seven, he added. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who claimed responsibility for Sunday`s attack, also claimed responsibility for the ASF camp attack Tuesday. Pakistani Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan told parliament Tuesday that the objective of Sunday`s terrorist attack on Karachi airport was to target aircraft and take hostages. Making a statement in the National Assembly, he said the attackers appeared to be foreigners, Xinhua reported. He said the CCTV grabs showed that the 10 heavily armed terrorists were tall and fair. Rejecting the opposition`s criticism of the law and order situation, he said six intelligence alerts were issued to the Sindh provincial government since last November. The National Assembly later unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning the airport attack. The resolution paid rich tribute to the Pakistani Army, police, paramilitary Rangers and Airport Security Force for successfully countering the attack and eliminating the terrorists. Leaders belonging to different political parties paid glowing tributes to the security personnel for demonstrating preparedness and gallantry to foil the attack on old Karachi airport, Radio Pakistan reported Tuesday. They assured that the opposition parties stand by the government on security issues and matters of national interests, the report said.