23 Dead After Terrorist Attack on Pakistan's Largest Airport

 By 
Adario Strange
 on 
23 Dead After Terrorist Attack on Pakistan's Largest Airport
Pakistani troops head to Karachi airport after attacks by gunmen on June 8, 2014, in Pakistan. Credit: Shakil Adil

Pakistan's largest airport, Jinnah International in Karachi, was the site of an attack by 10 gunmen on Sunday, an assault that led to the death of 23 people, including the attackers.

According to several reports, the gunmen, heavily armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, made their way into the airport disguised as police guards.

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The suicide vest-wearing attackers set fire to parts of the airport and waged a gun battle with local security forces for hours before the Pakistan military finally announced that the last of the 10 gunmen had been killed.

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Pakistani police help an injured colleague at Jinnah International Airport on June 8, 2014. Credit: Shakil Adil

Among the 13 victims killed during the terrorist attack, 10 were reportedly part of the airport's security force and one was a flight engineer from Pakistan International Airlines.

Initially, no known terrorist group was directly linked to the attack, but in the hours following the incident, the Times of India reported that the terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban had claimed responsibility for the act.

In response to the incident, many Twitter users weighed in with messages decrying the violence, accompanied by the #prayforkarachi hashtag.

Condolences to all the people from Pakistan and anyone who has family there. #PrayForKarachi— Noorani (@nooranidatoo) June 9, 2014

The city has seen enough pain and bloodshed to last a lifetime. #PrayForKarachi— فصيحا (@fasiha4) June 9, 2014

Im from karachi and Im sad to hear that bad things are happening there Please #prayforkarachi— zainab (@muslimfoeeva) June 8, 2014

Prayer goes out to everyone in Pakistan esp Karachi. May Allah rest every person's soul in peace & give families patience. #PrayForKarachi— safa ☪ (@AOAZAYN) June 9, 2014

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