Pakistan - Gunmen storm five-star hotel, 11 May 2019

[JanetElaine]

Gunmen attack luxury hotel in Pakistan

"Gunmen have stormed a five-star hotel in the restive Pakistani province of Balochistan, officials say.

Security forces cordoned off the Pearl Continental Hotel in the port city of Gwadar after the attack by at least three armed men.

Firing is reportedly continuing inside the hotel. Unconfirmed reports say many guests have been evacuated."

 

[JanetElaine]

Terror attack underway at Pearl Continent Hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar

"Reports have confirmed the presence of three suspected terrorists inside the hotel. The exchange of gunfire is underway between terrorists and security forces, the reports said. Gunshots also heard around the hotel."

 

[JanetElaine]

Gunmen attack hotel in Pakistani port city of Gwadar: officials - Reuters

"One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media, told Reuters most guests had been evacuated but the attackers appeared to have reached the first floor of the hotel."

 

[Elainera]

One security guard was killed.

From two hours ago:

In a statement, Pakistan's military said three armed men killed a security guard as they attempted to enter the Pearl Continental hotel on Saturday in the southern city.

Security forces surrounded the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor of the building, it said, adding that a security operation to clear the area was ongoing.

There were conflicting reports about additional casualties. Zia Langove, the provincial home minister, said initial reports indicated some people at the hotel had been wounded in firing on the premises.

The military, however, said that all guests at the hotel, which has 114 rooms, were safely evacuated.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group fighting for independence for Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack saying that four fighters were involved.

"Our fighters have carried out this attack on Chinese and other foreign investors who were staying in PC hotel," said Jihand Baloch, a BLA spokesperson, in a statement emailed to Al Jazeera.

Gunmen attack hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar, kill security guard

 

[JanetElaine]

Pakistan hotel attack HIGHLIGHTS: All three gunmen killed in shootout, says Balochistan Home Minister

"All three gunmen killed in shootout, says Balochistan Home Minister"