In a horrific turn of events, the Chinese Embassy in Karachi, located in Block 4, Clifton, was under attack this morning. People claim to have heard firing and explosions. The police has arrived and are trying to contain the situation. News channels are covering the incident as we speak.
Even on social media, live updates have started rolling out.
#Breaking: Firing incident near the Chinese Embassy.
Watch Live: https://t.co/i11T1A6BsH
Listen Live: https://t.co/g7kyiRGrfg pic.twitter.com/lVmfrWuozr— ARY News (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) November 23, 2018
Gun shots were apparently heard around 9.30 am this morning. According to some news reports, four gunmen tried to break in but were stopped by security officials which resulted in a showdown. Other reports claim that the gunmen managed to get inside and were shooting from atop the building. This is still a developing situation.
#Breaking: Chinese Embassy in Karachi under attack.
Watch Live: https://t.co/i11T1A6BsH
Listen Live: https://t.co/g7kyiRGrfg pic.twitter.com/0fYHi6n035— ARY News (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) November 23, 2018
Reports also claim that two gunmen have been martyred as a result of the firing match.
#Pakistan: Two policemen killed in firing near #ChineseConsulate in #Karachi's Clifton area: Geo News (ANI) pic.twitter.com/GTIJcG06Lf
— ET Defence (@ETDefence) November 23, 2018
As this news has begun unfolding, many people within the area – especially those who can hear or see the situation – have started taking to social media to warn and inform others about the situation.
Some are narrating the situation as it plays out…
Thick plumes of smoke seen rising in the vicinity of Chinese embassy in #Karachi.
— Crypto Bible (@Karachi_Post) November 23, 2018
#Chinese embassy in #Karachi under attack. Firing and blasts reported. Attack ongoing. Army is on the way.
— Syed Sufyan Subhani (@sufyan_subhani) November 23, 2018
#karachi for past 15 mins multiple explosions have been reported as well as heavy gunfire in what appears to be a terrorist attack in the vicinity of the Chinese Consulate in Clifton Block 4 #khialerts
— norbert almeida (@norbalm) November 23, 2018
Chinese consulate in Clifton under attack, 2 policemen have been martyred and one passerby is injured, DIG South says. There was a huge explosion followed by firing. #Karachi
— Iftikhar Firdous (@IftikharFirdous) November 23, 2018
…while others are sharing absolutely terrifying visuals of the same.
Another video of shooting. East of Chinese Embassy. Close. pic.twitter.com/yQ9ohxE173
— Yasmeen Ali (@yasmeen_9) November 23, 2018
The smoke can clearly be seen rising from the building.
Chinese Embassy Flag visible on the left pic.twitter.com/dcwjibMtAb
— Talal H Siddiqui (@talalsid) November 23, 2018
Chinese Embassy Karachi 😕😕 pic.twitter.com/qGAGoB8ibS
— The Angry Lawyer🏌 ⛳ (@TheAngryLawyer3) November 23, 2018
While the visuals are harrowing…
Terrorist attack near the Chinese consulate in Karachi
Location is not confirmed.
Three terrorists stared firing and throwing hand grenades. pic.twitter.com/nRhVgB4vmH— Sabena Siddiqi (@sabena_siddiqi) November 23, 2018
Explosions still happening #clifton #block4 #karachi 0931 pic.twitter.com/njCBkk4sc3
— Ahsan Jamil 🚴🏽 (@ajlongshanks) November 23, 2018
…witnesses are risking it all to keep fellow countrymen informed.
#karachi #khialerts 09h35 video from witnesses pic.twitter.com/ONguK5Hh7P
— norbert almeida (@norbalm) November 23, 2018
According to police two security Personl were killed and two others wounded during exchange of firing between terrorists and police when they (terrorists) were trying to enter in Chinese consulate in Karachi, Geo reported #Pakistan #ChineseConsulate pic.twitter.com/IPRSyhyH2V
— Islamuddin Sajid (@islamudinsajid) November 23, 2018
Rooftop reporting today, am in the street behind the Chinese consulate. Lots of sirens and lots of firing. Standing undercover on the roof, not to worry. @AJEnglish @AJENews #karachi @norbalm pic.twitter.com/EHN9zXaDqC
— Alia Chughtai (@AliaChughtai) November 23, 2018
Updates regarding the area are also being shared on social media.
Schools not allowing kids to leave the school in Karachi near Chinese Embassy because of terrorist attack. I have my cousins nearby the premises who aren’t allowed to leave the school due to safety precautions but please pray for Karachi and the kids in school.
— Saniya (@Saniyazing) November 23, 2018
#karachi 10h20
at least 2 attackers involved
1 dead
Unexploded bomb (vest) found
2 LEA critical
Several more injured
Area in lockdown
Many schools in the vicinity
In radius of 500 mtrs is Russian and Kuwait consulates
Several famous restaurants#KHIAlerts
— norbert almeida (@norbalm) November 23, 2018
Moreover, while earlier reports claimed that the attackers managed to get inside, it is being claimed that police officials are stating that that was not the case.
Police official now saying the attackers failed to enter the compound of the Chinese consulate. “There were three attackers who have been killed. They tried to enter the visa section but could not succeed,” Dr. Amir Shaikh, Karachi police chief.
— Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) November 23, 2018
While some people are hoping for a rest to this chaos…
News of firing near Chinese Embassy in Karachi. Prayers for everyone's safety. External forces who cannot see Pakistan progressing are trying to attack our closest friends. They won't succeed in creating any rifts InshAllah.
— Jamshed Iqbal Cheema (@Jamshediqbalch) November 23, 2018
…others are sharing what it’s like to be closely interlinked with what’s happening.
I can't describe what it was like to watch this… and realize that the person who took it… was my father from his bedroom window. Just called home, he's safe. https://t.co/511AmpjpvQ
— Natasha Japanwala (@NatJapanwala) November 23, 2018
I live across from the Chinese consulate. Not at home this morning, all I know is my father is indoors and safe. This is an awful feeling. Lots of schools in the area, the one I work at is on lockdown. Kids jittery because recess cancelled, teachers worried. Again, awful feeling. https://t.co/tnOLP2AySf
— Natasha Japanwala (@NatJapanwala) November 23, 2018
Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail, has since taken notice of the situation.
Governor Sindh @ImranIsmailPTI takes notice of firing incident in #Clifton area of #Karachi and seeks report from IG Sindh https://t.co/xivmzoAnGE #ChineseConsulate pic.twitter.com/6JldSDHbIv
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 23, 2018
Moreover, varying claims that some of the terrorists have been killed are also circulating.
Firing almost ended, Police entered in the consulate building, three terrorists have been killed while search underway for another attacker #ChineseConsulate #Karachi #Pakistan
— Islamuddin Sajid (@islamudinsajid) November 23, 2018
#Karachi: Two terrorists reported dead as a result of firing from security forces #chineseconsulate #BRupdates pic.twitter.com/rXZrTHSi2S
— Business Recorder (@brecordernews) November 23, 2018
It is also being alleged that the Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Karachi: Fidayeen of BLA attacked Chinese embassy in Karachi. pic.twitter.com/IRgrU28WzG
— BLA Official (@BLA_Tweets) November 23, 2018
Firing, explosion at Chinese consulate in Karachi, as armed men attempt to storm building. Baloch separatist Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for attack in phone call to AJE, spox says three "fidayeen" attackers armed with guns and grenades are fighting police.
— Asad Hashim (@AsadHashim) November 23, 2018
Banned and officially terror designated BLA claims Karachi terror attack
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) November 23, 2018
The horrifying attack that started earlier this morning is now allegedly being contained, as per some reports.
The terrorist attack on Chinese embassy in khi is over as attackers killed. As per media reports forces are clearing area. Would suggest all parents to not go to pick up kids in area they are safe inside schools. #ChineseEmbassyattack
— FK (@faisalkapadia) November 23, 2018
Situation is Under control Both terrorists killed by police. 2 policemen martyred in the attack #ChineseConsulate General and staff safe Police continuing search operation. 2 Sucide Jackets Recovered #Karachi #China #Pakistan #ChineseEmbassy pic.twitter.com/4mA2yE2okn
— Salman Mansoor (@salmanzit) November 23, 2018
While the attack has allegedly been contained, people still have questions…
So as we know the situation near #Chinese embassy is getting under control but the question is who’s did that?
— Akhlaque Mahesar (@akhlaqueali) November 23, 2018
… and pressing concerns.
Yet again, Another failure for Sindh Govt. I wonder if Baby Bhutto @BBhuttoZardari is interested in handling his own given domain or not.
Chinese Embassy Attacked!— Muhammad Hashir FazaL (@MHashirFazal) November 23, 2018
#Breaking: The Chinese Embassy in Karachi is currently under attack by terrorists hostile to Pakistan. This is what you get by harbouring snakes in the backyard. Explosions and gunfire heard.
— Soumyadipta (@Soumyadipta) November 23, 2018
The situation has alerted everyone in the city, especially residents around Block 4. According to some reports, the area is now being cleared by the security forces that had been deployed. People are keeping a look-out and are alerting others as and when they can. It’s truly unfortunate that lives have been lost as a result of the attack.
Again, this is still a developing story. If you know more about the attack or have updates, feel free to share them with us. And for all those who are within the area, stay indoors and stay safe.
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