Authorities in Pakistan say unknown gunmen have killed five policemen Sunday in what they are calling a terrorist attack in the southern city of Karachi.
Officials say at least 10 gunmen carried out the early morning attack on a police station in the eastern part of Karachi. They say the assailants opened fire from three sides, instantly killing five officers on duty and wounding one.
Provincial Interior Minister Aftab Sheikh calls it a terrorist act. Speaking to VOA by telephone from Karachi, he said police believe one attacker was hit when police returned fire. "One of the persons who had attacked was injured, probably died, but they have taken away that injured or dead body with them," he said. "We cannot at this moment announce any direction as to from where this attack has come."
The provincial minister refused to speculate on the motive behind the attack, saying only that an investigation is underway.
Authorities have increased security at all police stations in Karachi after Sunday's violence. The city is Pakistan's largest, and has seen a series of deadly attacks in recent years, mostly blamed on Islamic militants.
Religious extremists are opposed to Pakistan's close cooperation in the U.S.-led war on terrorism, which has included government crackdowns on militant Islamic groups.
Last month, Pakistan's military carried out an extensive operation in a remote region near the border with Afghanistan, where officials say local and foreign militants linked to the al-Qaida terror network have an important base.