Karachi airport attacked by militants

At least four security guards reported killed in heavy fighting after gunmen penetrated security cordon of Pakistan's busiest airport

A police officer standing guard at Karachi's Jinnah International airport in September 2002. Militants attacked the airport on Sunday. Photograph: Itsuo Inouye/AP

Sunday 8 June 2014 

Heavy fighting has broken out at Pakistan's busiest airport after armed gunmen penetrated the security cordon, hurling grenades and exchanging gunfire with Pakistani security forces.

Smoke and flames were seen billowing from the old terminal of Jinnah International airport in Karachi. Police surrounded the building and initially said that they believed up to 10 gunmen were involved in the attack.

At least four security guards were initially killed, according to local media, which carried reports of an aircraft being on fire. All flights have been diverted.

Attacks have taken place before on airports in Pakistan, but this is believed to have been the first time that a civilian airport rather a military one has been targeted.