Five terrorists killed in hours-long gunbattle after Karachi police chief office attack

 Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) Friday night cleared the five-story office of the city's police chief after nearly a four-hour operation — weeks after a deadly attack in Peshawar’s Police Lines.

At least three militants blew themselves, while two were gunned down in the shootout, officials confirmed, as they swept the office situated on the main artery of Sharea Faisal, reports GEO TV.

Four people — including Rangers and police personnel — also lost their lives, and 18 people were injured, officials confirmed to Geo News, the latest attack on security forces as terrorism apparently grips the nation yet again. 

The incident invited strong criticism from the top government officials, however, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News' Shahzeb Khanzada that "condemnations are not enough" and called for strict action against militants.

The attack began at 7:10pm, while police and Rangers personnel cleared the five-storey building in phases, finally sweeping the entire office by around 10:46pm. 

Police snipers took up positions near the station and all lights in the area were switched off.

A police officer, who did not want to be named, told Geo News that the attackers entered the office wearing police uniforms — a tactic similar to the Peshawar mosque suicide attack that claimed the lives of more than 80 people. 

Police officials said that armed suspects — whose total numbers are unknown at the moment — fired several rounds at the head office — located adjacent to the Sadar Police Station.

'There is a general security threat'

Talking exclusively to Geo News, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that commandos of police and Rangers had arrived at the site to deal with the terrorists.

He said that the federal government is in touch with the Sindh Police and "all assistance will be provided."

Sanaullah mentioned that he had spoken to the chief secretary and IG Sindh, who confirmed that the police saw "six to seven terrorists" entering the building.