Terrorists ambush Pakistani naval base

2011-05-23 19:37:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Around a dozen military and rescue personnel were killed during a terrorist attack against a naval base in south Pakistan, officials said Monday.

A 17-hour gun battle broke out after terrorists armed with rockets and explosives attacked the Pakistan Naval Station (PNS) Mehran in the port city of Karachi on Sunday night at around 10:30 p.m. local time, killing several security forces personnel and destroying at least two U.S.-built military aircraft.

Pakistani Navy officials said the attack and ensuing security operation at the PNS Mehran came to an end on Monday afternoon, but no official number of casualties was released.

Pakistan's Express Tribune reported that at least 15 security officials had been killed during the attack, while Dawn reported that at least 13 people were killed and another 16 injured.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik had confirmed the military operation, as reports said at least 20 militants ambushed the naval base from three different sides. Malik described the situation as an attack against Pakistan.

The United States Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this heinous attack," the Embassy said. "We grieve with the people of Pakistan and recognize and deeply appreciate the service and sacrifices of their brave Armed Forces."

"Terrorists continue to wage a relentless assault upon Pakistan. The United States is committed to working with Pakistan in our joint effort to combat violent extremism and bring to justice those behind this attack," the Embassy added.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility of the attack, as the terrorist group's spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said 15 to 20 suicide bombers carried out the planned attack to avenge the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed around three weeks ago during a U.S. special forces operation on May 2 in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-23

I hope the drones make a complete and speedy recovery and are back in action as soon as possible.

How do you ambush a base? A sneak attack maybe but not an ambush. Did the Japanese ambush Pearl Harbour?