New Explosions Heard At Pakistan Naval Base
@BreakingNewsBreaking NewsThere are reports of eight more explosions at a military base in the Pakistani city of Karachi where at least four people, including two Naval personnel, have been killed by gunmen.More on Karachi attacks: New explosions reported at base; militants said to be in 1 bldg - SkyNews
The militants stormed the Mehran naval air base in the southern city of Karachi, starting fires and setting off explosions.
It triggered gunbattles with commandos inside one of the country's most heavily guarded military installations.
Around 15 to 20 attackers were said to be inside the facility, and they had also attacked three hangars housing aircraft.
At least one patrol aircraft had been destroyed, it was reported.
A government official claimed the assault was carried out by terrorists.
"They were equipped with sophisticated weapons," navy spokesman Commodore Irfan ul-Haq said.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the militants had attacked from the rear of the base.
"We have been able to confine them to one building and an operation is under way either to kill or capture them."
Journalist Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, in Karachi, told Sky News: "From where I was I could hear a lot of firing and then several explosions.
Such a cowardly act of terror could not deter the commitment of the government and people of Pakistan to fight terrorism.
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani
"The Pakistani air force has a base on a main thoroughfare in the city and that has been attacked.
"Inside that air base there is a naval base and that has also been attacked
"Over 10 terrorists are still inside and there could be a hostage-like situation."
It is believed the terrorists entered the base through a Pakistan air force museum next to the base, which has lower security.
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the attack.
In a statement, he said: "Such a cowardly act of terror could not deter the commitment of the government and people of Pakistan to fight terrorism."
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
But the Pakistani Taliban, which has previously launched attacks in Karachi, has pledged to retaliate for the death of Osama bin Laden earlier this month.
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