Attack in Pakistan’s China zone leaves 4 dead

Islamabad: At least four persons were killed on Saturday after three gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistan’s Gwadar city, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, military said.

The gunmen shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the hotel.

“Security forces have cordoned the area. Guests safely evacuated. Terrorists encircled by security forces in staircase leading to top floor. Clearance operation in progress,” a military spokesman said.

Earlier, the provincial home minister Ziaullah Langu said four gunmen had opened fire on the hotel. “There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries,” the minister said.

Mohammed Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said ambulances and rescue officers were waiting at a road leading to the hotel, and that he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end.

“There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel,” he said, adding that only staff were present in the building.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Heavy contingents of police and security forces soon reached the area and started an operation.

Reports also said that the terrorists are heavily armed. They have rocket launchers and may be wearing suicide jackets.

Balochistan information Minister Zahoor Balidi said all persons inside the hotel have been safely evacuated.

The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village, and where business delegations as well as diplomats stay when visiting the city.