International mountaineers trekking the world's ninth-highest peak in northern Pakistan called off their expeditions on Sunday after an overnight attack by Islamist militants left 11 dead at the base camp. Forces launched an operation to trace the Taliban militants who attacked climbers at the base camp of Nanga Parbat, near the Chinese border.
Helicopter gunships are backing the ground forces, said a police official.
The bodied of 10 foreigners - including four Ukrainians, three Chinese, one Russian, one Nepalese and a Lithuanian - were flown to the capital, Islamabad, regional police chief Ali Sher told dpa.
Officials of local companies operating trekking tours said 51 mountaineers from 18 nationals have been asked to descend immediately. They would be flown out of the region tomorrow.
"We are calling our expeditions off due to security concerns," said Asghar Ali Porik, head of Jasmine Tours Pakistan, which has 29 mountaineers at various stages of hiking at Nanga Parbat.
Authorities, however, promised security to those still wanting to continue their expeditions in the area, said Ali Sher.
The attack in the foothills of the Himalayan peak was the first targeting foreigners in the region.
The police chief said it was not exactly known how militants reached the camp, which is accessible only on foot or on horseback.
There were also conflicting reports about the number of terrorists who attacked foreigners.
Close to 90 expeditions visited Gilgit-Balitistan last year, said Karrar Haidri of Alpine Club of Pakistan, which organises trips to the area.
Almost 90 per cent of climbers come from European countries, including Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Spain, Poland and France.
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