Athar Hussain/Reuters
The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the bloody attacks on Karachi’s airport that killed least 24 people, including 10 members of the Taliban. On Sunday night, militants launched the violent assault with rocket-launchers, suicide vests, and grenades at Pakistan’s busiest international airport. They wreaked havoc well into Monday morning in bloody battles with authorities. A reporter witnessed three suicide bombs go off and one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the militants attempted to hijack a plane. Qaim Ali Shah, chief minister of Sindh province, said “They were well-trained. Their plan was very well thought out.” Pakistani officials say the airport is under control and will be handed back to civilians. Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid claimed the attack was to “avenge the death of Hakimullah Mehsud,” who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in November.