Karachi Airport attack kills 29 as Taliban vows to fight on

© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

The big story of the day is the attempt by the Taliban to take over Karachi airport, where it hoped to hijack an aircraft, according to media reports.

During a battle with Pakistani security forces, part of the cargo area of the airport – including some shipments – were set on fire. Airlines announced delays, while security across Pakistan has been tightened up, with other airports and the ports under close watch. Observers say that shippers should expect freight going through Karachi to suffer some delays. Cargolux has issued a press release denying reports which stated that one of its aircraft was damaged – none were in Karachi at the time and its flights there have now been suspended.