eTN reports live from Karachi Airport on ongoing terror attack

KARACHI (eTN) – Agha Iqrar Haroon, eTN Pakistan Correspondent, along with Zainul Abdeen reporting from outside Karachi airport and Matiullah Khan reporting from Islamabad, provided the following updates on what experts are calling the worst attack ever on any airport in the world.

The fighting stopped in the early morning hours with all terror suspects killed. Airplanes were not damaged and passengers at the airport were safe in the main terminal building. The airport is due to re-openlater on Saturday.

Karachi International airport is one out of two major international gateways into Pakistan. Pakistan International and many international airlines provide service into this airport.Tourists and business travelers not only use this airport to get to Pakistan, but also as a transit point for connecting flights.

Currently Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air China, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Saudia and Thai Airways International are listed among international airline carriers serving Karachi.

At least 12 Taliban have attacked Karachi airport and reached the runway after breaching security, and firing is still continuing. According to the latest reports, 5 terrorists have been killed while 9 security personnel have been killed following an armed attack at the Karachi airport. Airport lights both inside and outside have been shut down.

There are fears the Taliban is close to one aircraft and can hijack it if they succeed in killing the security staff.

According to eyewitnesses, a high roof near a small gate close to a custom clearing gate was full of terrorists who looked like Pushtuns, and the staff on duty were also Pushtun; there are fears that terrorists were given access inside the airport by the staff on duty.

The militants launched grenades and opened fire as they entered the building. Two of the terrorists have reportedly been killed.

At least 3 blasts were heard, and an airport emergency has been declared, with flight operations suspended, reported the local Karachi Post.

According to initial reports, 4 armed attackers hurled grenades and opened fire as they entered the tarmac from Fokker gate. This led to an exchange of fire between ASF personnel and the gunmen. As a result, initially 2 terrorists were killed while 5 ASF personnel also lost their lives.

UPDATE #2: PLEA FOR MEDIA TO NOT GIVE INFO TO TERRORISTS

The Pakistan army is reacting sharply over live coverage of this event. It suggests that the media not do live coverage, as it can help terrorists to get information about positions of security forces. Maj. General Asim Bajwa, Chief of Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), said on Twitter:

#Kci Update: Live coverage of inside airport should stop, hindering operation. Giving away position of assets/troops. Rather helping terrorists.

UPDATE #3:

– Almost all fuel tanks blown.
– Terrorists wearing suicide jackets.
– One aircraft blown up by terrorists, according to unconfirmed sources.
– Police sources claim there are 15 terrorists not 12.
– Government of Pakistan claims no aircraft has been hijacked and no aircraft has been damaged.
– Tehrik-i-taliban Pakistan (TTP) successfully reached their targets.
– Terrorists start attack from third position ambushing security from a different position.
– 10 armoured vehicles have entered the runway – one blown up by suicide bomber.

UPDATE #4:

– Around 2,000 security persons fighting with 7 remaining terrorists; 5 confirmed dead.
– More forces entered from old airport gate.
– Massive blast heard again when forces were entering. Massive firing started again.
– New twist in story: some government agencies claim terrorists were using weapons from India.
– 20 airport personnel and security persons seriously injured; moved to hospital.
– Karachi airport completely empty from staff or any person except terrorists and security agencies.
– 9 security persons confirmed killed.

UPDATE #5:

– Karachi Airport will remain closed to all types of traffic for an indefinite period.
– Hospital sources confirmed 17 dead, including 5 terrorists; 13 persons in critical condition.
– Security agencies claim 90% of runway area has been cleared from terrorists.

The Taliban in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack Pakistan’s busiest airport. The Taliban statement sayd it was revenge for the army’s air strikes in areas along the Afghan border where the insurgents are based.