Gunmen attack security check post in Gilgit Baltistan, 2 paramilitary personnel killed

(Representational image)

At least two paramilitary personnel were killed and another was injured when gunmen attacked a checkpoint along the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit Baltistan on Friday, local police said.

The incident occurred at a security check post near Chilas along the Karakoram Highway in Diamer district.

The checkpoint was set up in December 2023, days after a passenger bus came under fire in the same area, leaving nine dead and 21 injured.

Early on Friday morning, unknown assailants opened fire on the check post from a nearby hilltop, injuring three personnel, Abdul Hameed, Senior Superintendent of Police of Diamer district, said.

Two of them later succumbed to their wounds, while one sustained abdominal injuries and is under treatment at a local hospital.

The attackers escaped soon after, police said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two grenades and 10 spent shells were recovered from the site, and at least 17 bullet marks were found on the checkpoint, police said.

Additional police and elite force personnel were deployed to strengthen security and launch a search operation.

This was the latest in a series of attacks along the Karakoram Highway.