2 Pak Rangers killed in suicide attack in Karachi

Karachi, Mar 20: At least two Pakistani paramilitary Rangers personnel were killed today in a suicide bombing targeting their vehicle here, police said.

The attackers targeted the vehicle in which around six soldiers were travelling in North Nazimabad area of the city. A police official said it was a suicide attack and the bomber rammed his bike into the vehicle.

"Two soldiers were killed and three injured in the attack," the official said. At least two civilian passers-by were also injured. TV channels showed that the vehicle was badly damaged in the attack.

Nobody took responsibility of the bombing that was so loud that it was heard in several areas of the city in which more than 18 million people reside.

Rangers have been doing intensive operation in the city against criminals and militants. It was second attack in the city after at least two people were killed in bombing near a Shia mosque when Friday prayers were going on.

"The Prime Minister has strongly condemned the attack on a Rangers vehicle in Karachi. He extended condolences on the death of rangers personnel and said such instances cannot deter government's resolve of making Karachi a peaceful city. He sought inquiry into the incident and directed for immediate arrest of the culprits," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

The paramilitary Rangers have been the target of bomb attacks in the past and such assaults have been carried out at their camp offices in different areas. In May 2014, an attack on the Rangers headquarters in Karachi resulted in injuries to at least five Rangers personnel.

PTI