Four killed in Karachi airport gun attack

Heavy fighting has broken out at Pakistan’s busiest airport after armed gunmen penetrated the cordon of security around the facility in Karachi, hurling grenades and exchanging gunfire with Pakistani security forces.

Smoke and flames were seen billowing from Jinnah International airport’s old terminal, which was surrounded by police, who initially said they believed up to 10 gunmen were involved in the attack.

At least four security guards were initially killed, according to local media, which carried reports of one aircraft being on fire. All flights have been diverted.

Attacks have taken place before on airports in Pakistan, but this is believed to have been the first time a civilian airport rather a military one was attacked. – (Guardian service)