Armed men attack police compound in Pakistan’s Karachi

Police officers take up positions after a police compound was attacked by gunmen in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 17

Armed men have attacked a police compound in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, officials say.

Gunfire and explosions were heard on Friday outside the premises, which is home to several police buildings and officer residences, local media reported.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said five or six gunmen were involved in the attack and threw hand grenades as they tried to force their way into the police headquarters.

Sharjeel Memon, the spokesman for Sindh province, said the attackers were surrounded although fighting was still under way.

At least two of the attackers were killed, police officials said.

Dr Sumaiyya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, told Al Jazeera at least three people were wounded in the attack.

“We have received three injured. One rescue volunteer, one police officer and one paramilitary Rangers officer. All have received bullet injuries, but none of them critical,” she said.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in attacks by armed groups since November when the Pakistani Taliban unilaterally ended a months-long ceasefire with the government, reports Al Jazeera.