Islamabad, Nov 14, IRNA Police in the Pakistani port city of Karachi killed six suspected militants on Thursday and foiled a big terror plan on the eve of Muharram?s processions.Those killed during a raid belonged to the outlawed sectarian Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group, which has links with the Pakistani Taliban and routinely claims responsibility for attacks on Shiite Muslims.
The suspects started firing on the raiding police party at Karachis Mauripur area, injuring three police officers, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chaudhry Aslam, told reporters.
He said the police launched a search operation following a tip-off that the suspects had been hiding in a compound and planned attacks in the city. As the police party arrived at the scene the armed militants opened fire, he said.
The police officers returned fire and killed six militants and recovered arms including suicide vests. Three police officers were also injured, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of police said.
The militants include Gul Hasan, who was involved in over fifty cases of sectarian killings in Karachi, a police officer said.
He said the suspected militants were believed to be involved in the attacks on a high court judge and a Shiite worship place.
Police officer Aslam said the militants were planning to target a main mosque of the Shiite Muslims in Karachi prior to the religious gatherings on Thursday and Friday.
Shiite Muslims are set to hold processions on the ninth day of the holy Muslim month of Muharram.
Meanwhile, three low-intensity blasts in Karachi injured nearly 10 people late Wednesday, police said. Two policemen, a paramilitary soldier and media persons were among the injured.
By IRNA
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