Karachi attack: Two killed in attack on Chinese consulate

Gunshots were heard at about 09:30 local time (04:30 GMT) outside the consulate in the upmarket Clifton area, police said.

Up to four gunmen tried to enter the consulate but were stopped by security guards at a checkpoint, reports said.

Three attackers have been killed by police in an exchange of gunfire.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a blast, and local TV channels have broadcast images of a plume of smoke. There is a heavy police presence in the area which has been cordoned off.

All the staff inside the consulate are safe, local media reports said.

A separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army, has said it carried out the attack. It is thought to be one of many separatist groups operating in the restive province, which has seen a long running nationalist insurgency.

Over the years construction projects and Chinese workers in Balochistan have been repeatedly targeted by militants.

Source: BBC