Rangers sepoy martyred, five terrorists killed in Lyari encounter

KARACHI: A Rangers official was martyred and four wounded late Tuesday night in Lyari's Zikri Para area during a regular patrol when terrorists opened fire on their vehicle, a spokesperson of the paramilitary force said.

Grenades and homemade ammunition were used during the attack on Rangers personnel, the spokesperson said, adding that the wounded officials were shifted to Civil Hospital.

Rangers opened retaliatory fire on the terrorists, successfully killing five of them, with an additional contingent arriving shortly thereafter for assistance.

The deceased terrorists have been identified as Chakir Ali, Amir Ali, Mehr Ali, Amir Pandey and Ameer Ali. 

According to the Rangers spokesperson, the terrorists were affiliated with a group involved in the Lyari gang war, adding that the terrorists were involved in various offences.

The operation was carried out jointly by Rangers and police after intel of gang war suspects' presence in the area, sources said.

Following the operation, the area was subsequently cordoned off and the entry and exit points sealed off. Rangers and police personnel consequently commenced a search operation.

A hand grenade, three homemade bombs, one nine mm pistol and firearm magazines were recovered from the deceased terrorists, the Rangers spokesperson said. 

Following the incident, the Rangers director general (DG) also visited the site of the incident along with AIG Karachi Mushtaq Mahar. The DG also visited the injured Rangers personnel being treated in hospital. 

Later in the day, the funeral of the martyred official was held in Karachi after which the sepoy's body was taken to his native town of Lakki Marwat. 

Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal, Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Shahid Baig Mirza and Rangers DG Maj Gen Mohammad Saeed, among other senior civil and military officials, attended the funeral.

—Additional reporting by Qamar Ali Mastoi