Three Rangers personnel martyred in terrorist attack in Karachi
The shooting incident occurred in Baldia Ittehad Town area of Karachi.
KARACHI (Web Desk / AFP) - Suspected terrorists gunned down at least three paramilitary soldiers and injured a fourth as they guarded a mosque in Karachi on Friday, officials said.
The killers, on three motorcycles, opened fire on the paramilitary Rangers outside the Abu Hurairah mosque in Ittehad Town, a western suburb of the southern city.
Officials suggested the attackers intended to target the mosque during Friday prayers.
"Perhaps the mosque and the affiliated madrassa (religious seminary) was the target of the terrorists," Rangers chief major general Bilal Akbar told media at the spot.
"But our people defied them and embraced martyrdom," he said.
Screengrab: Heavy contingent of Rangers personnel arrived at the scene after the attack.
Taking notice of the incident, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered immediate arrest of the attackers.
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has also directed the Inspector General of Sindh Police to submit report regarding the incident.
The Rangers as well as the police have been engaged in a three-year long anti-militant and crime operation in Karachi and come under attack by militants frequently.
In March a suicide bomber riding on a motorcycle rammed into a Rangers patrol van, killing at four soldiers.
Since January, 79 policemen have been gunned down in different parts of the city.
