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Sri Lanka condemns attack on Karachi Airport
Jun 09, 201411:25 PM
The Sri Lankan Government on Monday condemned the “heinous terrorist attack” on the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi last night, killing several security forces personnel and civilian employees.
“The attack is a deliberate attempt to cause mayhem and damage critical infrastructure which services international travel and commerce,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Sri Lanka commended the “professionalism” of the Pakistani security forces in effectively thwarting the attack.
“This incident demonstrates the urgent need to further intensify international cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in the interest of global peace and security.”
“The Government and the people of Sri Lanka offer their deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Pakistan, and while sharing the pain of the bereaved families, wish those injured a speedy recovery,” it said.
Pakistan has stepped up its security after Taliban members attacked Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport leaving 18 people dead.
A six-hour gun battle ensued between the10 members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a team of army units, police, paramilitary rangers and Airport Security Force (ASF) commandoes.
The terrorists, posing as ASF personnel, executed the attacked at the airport late Sunday night, but were all killed in the gun battle.
According to an Inter Services Public Relations spokesman, all ten terrorists were killed in the violent encounter. The spokesman also said that the terrorists were unsuccessful in damaging any airport installations or aircrafts.
After the encounter, the TTP took responsibility for the assault that claimed the lives of 18 security guards and civilian staff. The terrorist group warned that Taliban fighters would launch a series of attacks against the Pakistani government.
Abdullah Bahar Mehsud, a TTP senior commander, said the attack was intended to avenge the death of their former leader Hakimullah Mehsud during a government sanctioned drone attack last year.
