Heavily armed Pakistani Taliban militants launched an assault on the country's largest airport in Karachi in which at least 26 persons, including 12 terrorists, were killed even as the military today mounted another operation amid reports of fresh firing.

Explosions and gunfire rang out as the attackers wearing military uniforms and suicide vests, and armed with grenades and rocket launchers attacked the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and financial hub, late last night.

According to reports, eight ASF personnel, two Rangers officials, one police officer and three Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officials are among the dead.

Twenty-four people have been injured in the attack so far as well. Earlier, the military had declared an end to its operation to secure the airport.

The ISPR spokesman said that army units from the nearby Malir cantonment base, ASF commandos, paramilitary rangers and police had carried out the joint operation to clear the old airport area.
However, reports said that three militants were still present inside the airport as fresh firing was heard near
Isphani Hangar, which is the aircraft overhaul facility of the airport.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.