Chinese consulate attack in Karachi claims two, Baloch group claims responsibility
Karachi, Nov 23 (IBNS): Two policemen were killed and one security guard was injured in an attack on the Chinese Consulate in Pakistan's Karachi on Friday even as the strike was claimed by a separatist group in Balochistan, where Chinese involvement in infrastructure project is fiercely opposed by the Baluchis seeking independence from Pakistan.
Media reports said the firing was heard at around 09:30 am. Four gunmen tried to enter the Consulate but they were stopped by the security guards.
In an exchange of fire, three attackers were killed by police.
The area has been cordoned off and a heavy contingent of policemen has been deployed.
All the staff inside the consulate are reportedly safe.
Media reports said the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed the attack.
"We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Geand Baloch, told news agency AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location, said reports..
Chinese investment projects in Balochistan are resisted by the groups in the region which is wracked by an insurgency for separation from Pakistan. Balochistan is at the heart of Chinese investments in the infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
China is now a close ally of Pakistan and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is one of the highly publicized projects under Beijing's "One Belt One Road" initiative, which the Chinese government calls "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future", involving 65 nations to build a network of roads and sea routes.
India, which has a difficult relationship with both China and Pakistan, has not joined the project.
Image: Screen grab from Russia Today/Youtube
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