3 Rangers killed in Karachi attack, military says

June 28, 2026

1–2 minutes

Summary

Pakistan’s military said three Rangers were killed in a militant attack on a Karachi headquarters, and operations were still underway Sunday.

Why this matters

The attack underscores a recent rise in militant violence in Pakistan, particularly against security forces. It also adds to regional tensions involving Afghanistan and India, both cited by Pakistan in its response.

Pakistan’s military said Sunday that three members of the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers were killed and four others were wounded after militants attacked a regional headquarters in Karachi the previous night.

Police and witnesses said a militant drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the provincial headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers on Saturday night, setting off a gunbattle with security forces.

In a statement, the military said security forces killed three attackers and captured a fourth, who was wounded. It identified the captured suspect as an Afghan national.

The military said operations were continuing in the area and warned that Pakistan would retaliate against those responsible. Pakistan has carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan in recent years, saying they targeted militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has repeatedly denied allowing militant groups to use Afghan territory to launch cross-border attacks.

The military described the group as an Indian proxy, but provided no evidence. There was no immediate comment from India, and New Delhi has denied similar allegations in recent years.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the three Rangers personnel “martyred” in the assault, offered condolences to their families, and wished the wounded a speedy recovery, according to a statement from his office. He also praised Pakistan’s security forces and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and praised security forces for repelling it.

Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks targeting police and security forces in recent years. The military said operations were still underway to find any remaining accomplices.

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