Pakistan navy base seige ends, 10 soldiers killed

A 16-hour siege in Pakistan’s heavily guarded naval airbase in Karachi ended with the death of 10 security personnel Monday afternoon while four Taliban terrorists on the brazen suicidal mission to avenge the killing of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden were killed.

At least 15 troopers were injured in the combat with the militants while the dead included 10 military officials, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Monday.

?It was well-coordinated operation by Rangers, police and Navy. Ten of our men have been martyred, including four navy officers, three firemen, one sailor and two Rangers; 15 injured.?

He said three militants were confirmed killed in the gunbattle. Two others have escaped while one body- the fourth among the dead- was buried under a rubble.

?All terrorists killed?three terrorists confirmed killed?I have got photos of two dead terrorists, we have found a suicide jacket and head of the bomber?and there am sure the fourth one?s body is in the debris,? said Malik.

Malik said a joint investigation team led by a high-ranking Pakistan Navy official would probe the PNS Mehran navy airbase attack and if any lapse led to the attack would be found out.

He said at least 17 foreigners in the airbase are safe and unhurt.

?There were no hostages. The first thing our officers did on reaching the site was to evacuate all foreigners. They were safely driven away in cars even amid firing. There were 11 Chinese and six Americans?they were training our men about the surveillance planes,? he said.

The seige continued for about 16 hours since around 1030 pm Sunday night.

Pakistan media reports said air surveillance has been stopped in the area.

About six Taliban militants stormed the heavily guarded naval base Sunday night causing huge explosions in a revenge attack for the killing of Laden.

The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack that also destroyed several warplanes, saying it the attack was to avenge the killing of bin Laden by U.S. commandos in Pakistan?s Abbottabad on May 2.

Officials said two US made P-3C Orion fighter aircraft were destroyed with rocket-propelled grenades.

Several explosions were heard and ball of fire shot up from the airbase as Pakistani troops engaged in a full-on assault on a building in which militants were holed up.

The militants came through a sewer way, reports said while Malik said the militants used two ladders to scale the walls of the base and then entered inside by cutting the barbed wire.

Malik said the terrorists were between 22-25 years of age.

?They were dressed like Star Wars (characters)?in black trousers and shirts. They had small beards and sharp features,? he said.

Reports said the terrorists were confined in a building inside the PNS Mehran base by the commandos who were engaged in a heavy gunbattle and also apparently hurled grenades.

Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that the militants had attacked from the rear of the base, in the strike that began approximately at around 10:30 pm on Sunday.
Malik said the Taliban and the al Qaeda are enemies of Pakistan and those supporting them should be condemned.

?This attack is linked to Osama bin Laden?s death?it is eminent from their (terrorists?) target?they are aiming to destabilize Pakistan.Terrorists are targeting our assets?they destroyed two planes that cost in billions.?

?Here I would like to point out those who consider al Qaeda as their friend and whenever this kind of attack takes place, they pray for the terrorists. Let me clarify that no matter from where these enemies come, Pakistan?s enemy is everyone?s enemy.

?I appeal to the entire community to stand united against terrorism. For God?s sake, have mercy on Pakistan. We have to save Pakistan,? he said.

Malik said it was a pre-planned attack and high alerts have been issued across Pakistan.

?It was a pre-planned attack?they have targeted all our Army and defence installations. We have also got names of some VIPs and government officers whom they want to attack. I feel they will attack us again in future. We have issued high alert in all big cities,? he said.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the attack. ?Such a cowardly act of terror could not deter the commitment of the government and people of Pakistan to fight terrorism,? he said in statement.

Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram said it is a sad event and it corroborates the fact that this is a troubled region.