Gunmen kill 11 at Gwadar, Pakistan construction camp

[News_Editor]

Gunmen kill 11 at Gwadar, Pakistan construction camp

2011-03-22 21:12:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

QUETTA, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- A group of armed men attacked and killed 11 people and injured two others at a Frontier Works Organization (FWO) camp in the southwestern region of Pakistan, local media reported Tuesday.

The attack occurred Monday evening when a group of eight gunmen riding motorcycles opened fire at the camp, killing seven FWO workers and four National Highway Authority engineers near the Phelleri area of Gwadar district, the Express Tribune reported.

Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said the assailants took two vehicles from the camp, which was set up for employees at a road construction site, and torched them around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from the scene. He also said authorities believe the attack was carried out with local support, stating that the criminals will be brought to justice.

Following the attack, the banned outfit Baloch Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the shooting and warned of future attacks.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani strongly condemned the attacks. The United States Embassy in Pakistan also strongly deplored the "cruel murder" of the workers at the camp.

"Such acts of wanton terrorist violence are rejected by people all over Pakistan and the world," the Embassy said. "We hope to see the perpetrators brought to swift justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims."

The U.S. Embassy also said it would continue to support the people of Pakistan as they strive to secure a future of peace and opportunity that is free from fear, violence, and intimidation. 

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