Pakistan: Militants attack Karachi naval air base
The BBC's Shahzeb Jillani says this attack will be deeply embarrassing for Pakistan
Continue reading the main story
Taliban Conflict
Gunmen have attacked a military base in the Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 soldiers, officials say.
The attackers are now holding hostages, including Chinese military personnel, at the Mehran naval aviation base.
Eight hours after the incident began, blasts and gunfire were heard as security forces brought in more troops and tackled the militants.
The Pakistani Taliban says it is responsible for carrying out the attack.
"It was the revenge of martyrdom of Osama Bin Laden. It was the proof that we are still united and powerful," Ehsanullah Ehsan told Reuters news agency.
The Taliban have vowed to avenge the killing of Osama Bin Laden by US special forces on 2 May.
They have carried out several attacks since then.
Battle continues
On Sunday evening at 2230 (1730 GMT) militants stormed three hangars housing aircraft at the Mehran base, according to officials.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said: "We have been able to confine them to one building and an operation is underway either to kill or capture them."
Continue reading the main story
At the scene
image of Syed Shoaib Hasan Syed Shoaib Hasan BBC News, Karachi
Clouds of black smoke billowed over the Mehran airbase when I arrived about half an hour after the attack began.
Ambulances with sirens wailing stood outside the gate of the compound, which was sealed soon after the attack began. They were joined by dozens of TV satellite trucks and journalists.
The base is located next to the Shahrah-e-Faisal - Karachi's main road - and many interested onlookers stopped their vehicles to find out what was happening.
In the distance, flames could be seen on the horizon beyond the perimeter wall.
Initially, there was intermittent gunfire. However, 15 minutes after I arrived on the scene there was an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.
We had to lie down on the ground, as the bullets and shrapnel whizzed over our heads.
Later, as I left the scene, several army trucks carrying dozens of army troops and armoured personnel carriers hurried into the compound to boost the troops battling the militants inside.
Their first targets were aircraft parked on the tarmac and equipment in nearby hangers, says the BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan at the scene.
Eyewitnesses say the militants used rocket propelled grenades to damage and destroy several warplanes. These included the Pakistan navy's premier anti-submarine attack jet - the US made P-3C Orion.
At least two of these multi-million dollar aircraft were set ablaze.
The gunmen then opened indiscriminate fire, killing several naval personnel as they carried their deadly raid into the heart of the base.
Subsequently, navy commandos and marines launched a counter assault. Dozens of heavily armed army reinforcements also arrived to provide cover.
Some of the militants have now been killed, officials say.
The remaining gunmen have taken several officials, including Chinese military personnel, hostage inside a building. Security officials say commandos are now being sent in to clear this area.
At dawn on Monday, three loud blasts were heard, followed by gunfire.
"The operation still continues. It is not over yet," one security official told Reuters news agency.
On Friday the Taliban bombed a US consulate convoy in Peshawar, killing one Pakistani.
Other attacks by Pakistani militants this month include a raid on a security post that killed two police in the north-west and a twin suicide bombing at a paramilitary police training centre.
Are you in Pakistan? Did you witness the attack? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below
Send your pictures and videos to
yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
RRRRRRRRRRRR' BARK BARK RRRRRRRRRRR
