Five gunmen storm Karachi Rangers base killing three soldiers and themselves

Three paramilitary soldiers died when gunmen stormed a Rangers base in Karachi's commercial heart. Police confirmed four attackers also perished during the siege at the Gulistan-i-Jauhar headquarters. Sindh Inspector General Javed Alam Odho stated the assault occurred on Saturday evening.

Sources told Al Jazeera that roughly five armed men breached the compound. A suspected bomber first rammed an explosive vehicle into the main gate, triggering a massive blast. Odho noted initial reports of the ramming but said officials had not yet verified the explosion.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah acknowledged the reported blast and gunfire. He ordered officials to submit a detailed report on the incident. Security forces quickly sealed streets around the Mosamiat Chowrangi area as shots rang out.

A clearance operation ensued with Special Security Unit commandos, Anti-Terrorist Force, and Rangers personnel deployed. The Edhi Foundation reported at least two wounded individuals taken to hospitals for emergency care.

An affiliate of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility late Saturday. This group is a splinter faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, known as the Pakistani Taliban. The organization stated nine attackers participated in the assault. This militant group remains distinct from the Afghan Taliban that seized power in 2021.

The violence targets security forces across Pakistan as armed conflict intensifies in several regions.