Militants attack Samangi airbase of Quetta airport in Pakistan

Karachi: Militants tonight tried to stormthe heavily-guarded Samangi airbase and airport in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province, but the attack was thwarted by security forces who killed one attacker.

Initial reports said that armed militants first fired rockets from a Nallah near the airbase and then tried to storm the complex but were repulsed by security forces. TV channels reported that firing was going on and hand grenades were also hurled towards the airbase and airport - located in the west of the city.

"At least one attacker has been killed while three security personnel have been injured in the firing," a senior police official said. He said additional security forces had cordoned off the area while the injured had been rushed to the Bolan Medical complex in Quetta.

Helicopters were circling in the air space around the airport and carrying out aerial surveillance. In July, 10 terrorists had attacked the Karachi airport building, killing at least 29 people.

After the July incident, security was beefed up at all airports and airbases around the country.