The attack on a police training academy in Pakistan's Quetta city came to a bloody end as all three militants were killed during a battle with security forces, who suffered at least 20 casualties during the strike that left over 100 people injured.
The three terrorists, believed to be from the Lashkar-e- Jhangvi Alami, had stormed the centre's hostel on Saryab Road at around 11:10 PM last night, triggering an operation by Pakistani security forces who managed to rescue all the cadets from the academy.
Balochistan province's home minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti told reporters that there were around 700 police cadets and recruits in the college hostel when the attack took place.
He said 20 policemen and three terrorists had been killed while around 106 people were injured.
While two of the militants had blown themselves up, one was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces, he said.
"Security forces including the Frontier Corps and Pakistan Army light brigade have cleared 95 per cent of the college area," Bugti said, adding that the number of dead policemen could rise to 30.
Pakistan's Geo News channel, meanwhile, reported that bodies of 29 policemen were brought to the Civil hospital and Bolan Medical College hospital adding that 116 people were injured.
IG Frontier Corps, Major General Sher Afghan told reporters that the militants were communicating with handlers in Afghanistan and taking instructions from them.
"They are believed to be militants of the Lashkar-e- Jhangvi Alami outfit," he said.
A policeman who was guarding the only entry point of the college was among those gunned down.
Militants have conducted several attacks against security forces and national installations in Balochistan, which has been plagued by an insurgency and growing sectarian killings for more than a decade.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
