At least one person was killed after three terrorists stormed a five-star hotel in Gwadar in Pakistan on Saturday evening, Dawn reported, citing military officials.
“Three terrorists attempted forced entry in PC [Pearl Continental] Gwadar,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations, which is the Pakistan military’s media wing. “[A] guard at entry challenged them. Terrorists opened fire on PC security guard,” it said, according to Geo TV.
The military’s media wing said a “clearance operation” is in progress. “Security forces have cordoned off the area and encircled the terrorists on the stairs leading to the top floor,” it said, adding that guests at the hotel had been evacuated.
Provincial Home Minister Mir Zia Langove said some people who were present at the hotel were injured “from the terrorists’ firing”, according to Dawn.
Gwadar Station House Officer Aslam Bangulzai said police received reports about three or four armed men at the Pearl Continental hotel around 4.50 pm, Dawn reported.
The police officer said there were no foreigners at the hotel. However, Samaa TV reported that several Chinese nationals were staying at the hotel. Security around the hotel has been intensified.
Gwadar is a port city in Balochistan district. The city is one of the main centre’s of activity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, which is a part of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative.
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