Gunmen ambushed and killed four police officers in their patrol vehicle in the Pakistani southern port city of Karachi, The Associated Press reported.

Senior police officer Tahir Naveed said Saturday, Aug 3, the four officers were on night duty near a bridge in the eastern neighborhood of Faisal Colony. He said investigators found their bodies inside their vehicle, which had been sprayed with pistol and rifle bullets. Naveed said the overnight attack seemed intended to demoralize the police force.

Karachi is home to multiple conflicts that frequently turn violent, including gang wars and ethnic and political rivalries. Islamic militants are said to use the city as a hiding place and a source of funds obtained through bank heists, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.