Terrorists tried to storm army's headquarters (GHQ) Saturday, with six soldiers, including a Brigadier and a Lieutenant Colonel, a passer-by and four terrorists killed in an audacious attack here. The senior officers were identified as Anwer and Waseem, respectively. Six terrorists in military uniform and armed with automatic guns and grenades drove up to Mall Road Checkpost on main gate of the GHQ on their way before they were stopped by military personnel.
Six armymen, including Brigadier and Lieutenant Colonel, martyred
Four terrorists killed
The terrorists attacked the checkpost, killing all the four guards. The terrorists then tried to move towards the Gate No 1, but the troops foiled their attempt. Two terrorists managed to flee during the fierce gun-battle, and were still on the run despite helicopter gunships circling overhead and commandos manning a security perimeter around the military headquarters.
Terrorists hurled many grenades and opened fire during attack on GHQ as many blasts were heard in and around the area. Forces took the dead bodies in their possession. The initial exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces lasted for more than one hour during which helicopter squadron from Qasim Base was called to reinforce the troops. Sources said that more than six soldiers were martyred in the attack while many were injured who were rushed to Military Hospital and Combined Military Hospital for treatment.
Soon after the terrorist attack, all roads leading to the headquarters were completely sealed off and all the adjacent areas were cordoned off. Traffic and public movement on all roads around the GHQ remained suspended. All the shopping centers, offices, hotels and shops around the GHQ were closed as Army commandos are busy in search operation.
It is pertinent to note that it was the second direct terrorist attack on GHQ after November 24, 2007, when an explosive-laden car was smashed into the barrier of the GHQ by terrorists in their bid to enter the premises. Hamza Camp of ISI was also attacked on the same day and more than 35 people were killed when another explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into a bus carrying the employees of an intelligence agency.
"Four terrorist have been killed in exchange of fire with the troops," the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbas said while talking to media after the attack. He said that the terrorists came in a van and tried to enter from gate 1or 2 in the sensitive area. They were stopped and now the situation is under control, Abbas added. Abbas confirmed the killing of six military men in the attack.
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