Quetta: Five Chechens gunned down

QUETTA: Pakistani security forces Tuesday foiled a major suicide attack when they killed five militants equipped with suicide vests, three of them women, in a firefight, officials said.The incident took place near a security post outside the southwestern city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.“The militants armed with guns and bombs were travelling in a car, police intercepted them but they tried to flee, triggering an exchange of fire. All five attackers have been killed,” city police chief Daud Junejo said.

The group threw hand grenades at the checkpost in Quetta’s Kharotabad neighbourhood and opened fire on the troops inside, he said, adding that it was not their planned target and they had been travelling on the airport road.

“The troops retaliated and killed all of them,” he said. “No security official was hurt, it’s all ok, it’s over now.”

Colonel Faisal Shehzad, a paramilitary Frontier Corps officer said it appeared the militants were killed before they could reach their objective.

“They were looking for a major target, but we foiled their attempt,” he said.

The attackers wore suicide vests, he said, adding that the women could be Chechen and an investigation had been ordered.

“All five attackers have been killed,” Quetta police chief Daud Junejo said.

 He added that the attackers showed their suicide jackets to the police at the checkpost but police officials ran away to fetch more security officials. “The troops retaliated and killed all of them,” he said. “No security official was hurt, it’s all ok, it’s over now.”

He also denied any suicide attack took place.

The CCPO Quetta said they had received intelligence of a possible attack in the city, which had prompted extra security checks during the day.