Three killed in suicide attack on foreign nationals in Karachi

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 19 Apr 2024

Two terrorists were killed in a suicide attack targeting a convoy of foreign nationals near the Mansehra Colony stop in Landhi area of Karachi. Two security guards and a passer-by were among those injured.

According to authorities, the attack was aimed at the vehicle carrying foreign nationals. The Sindh inspector general of police, in a statement, confirmed that five foreigners were travelling in the convoy, all of whom escaped unharmed. 

The Japanese survivors have been moved to a safe place in police custody, the police spokesperson, Abrar Hussain Baloch, said.

The incident unfolded when the convoy was passing through the Malir Sharafi Goth police station precincts. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by gunfire. Upon arrival at the scene, police and rescue teams swiftly responded, shifting the injured to Jinnah Hospital for medical treatment.

Police officials at the site revealed that one of the deceased was identified as a suicide bomber, while the other assailant was killed in the firing by police. The deceased were reported to be 30 and 35 years old, while the injured security guards were identified as Noor Muhammad and Langar Khan, both aged 45. 

Hospital sources say that all three injured sustained gunshot wounds. Later, Noor passed away during treatment. 

A police spokesperson provided further details, stating that upon hearing the explosion, law enforcement personnel quickly intervened. A terrorist armed with a rifle and grenades opened fire upon seeing the police, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire. The assailant was subsequently neutralized by the police's retaliatory gunfire targeted to his head.

One of the police officials, who took timely action at the time of the explosions, says they were positioned nearby and heard the sound of the blast. After a few seconds, they also heard gunshots. "A terrorist was hiding behind the mud and was killed. He had a rifle, two magazines, and a bag of grenades," the official added.

The targeted convoy consisted of two vehicles, with a foreign national, identified as the managing director of a company, present in one vehicle, while four other foreign nationals were travelling in the following van, the official explained further. 

A police official said fingerprints were being collected to identify the slain terrorist through the police Talaash app and NADRA. He further said that the police had also recovered a black bag from the terrorists containing hand grenades.

"The crime scene unit found three rifles, a magazine, two grenades, a tear-gas shell, and a bottle of petrol on the spot. The terrorists used a black 70-cc motorcycle that is registered in the name of Salman Masih with the address of Kala Pul. The model of the motorcycle is 2012,” he disclosed. 

DIG (East) Azfar Mahesar told the media that bomb disposal squad team will determine the nature of the blast, which seemed like a targeted attack. He said a motorcycle was found at the scene, adding that one of the attackers was killed in an encounter and the other blew himself up.

"Apparently the attackers arrived on foot or were dropped at the location. A few hand grenades were found in a bag. There were reports of targeting foreign residents," he explained further. 

Meanwhile, a security guard has explained how they foiled the attack on foreigners. "Two attackers were coming on a motorcycle when suddenly there was an explosion. We secured the foreigners, after which the police also arrived at the scene. We go to the export processing zone from here daily," a security guard told Samaa TV. 

Authorities are currently investigating the incident to ascertain the motives behind the attack and identify any potential accomplices. Security measures in the area have been heightened following the incident, with law enforcement agencies on high alert to prevent any further threats to public safety.