KARACHI: A soldier of Pakistan Rangers was killed and three others suffered injuries when a patrolling team of the paramilitary force came under attack in Lyari on Tuesday night.

The incident triggered panic and fear in the densely-populated neighbourhood where a sharp surge in criminal and violent incidents was witnessed lately after targeted-operation restored peace following years of gang warfare.

According to a statement of the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, a mobile of the paramilitary personnel was passing through Ali Muhammad Zikri Muhalla when some unidentified people opened fire on it. The personnel returned fire, killing one of the attackers.

The exchange of fire between the personnel and the attackers continued for some time.

“The terrorists armed with hand-grenade and automatic rifles attacked the Rangers mobile near Ali Muhammad Muhalla,” said the statement.

The deceased soldier was identified as Fawad.

The statement said more force of police and Rangers was called to launch a search operation in the area.

The personnel seized a 9mm pistol, a hand-grenade and three Awan bombs from the possession of the dead attacker.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2018