The dramatic 22-hour siege of the Pakistan Army Headquarters in Rawalpindi ended today after commandos stormed the premises freeing 42 hostages from Taliban terrorists.The assault by Talibans on the top military facility left a total of 19 people, including eight security personnel, dead.Three hostages were killed in today's firing by terrorists while two commandos of the elite Special Service group died during the rescue mission at a building in the premises that ended at around 0930 hrs this morning.Chief military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said, four terrorists were also killed.He said, a fifth terrorist, identified as Aqeel alias Dr Usman and believed to be the mastermind behind the attack that began yesterday morning, was captured in an injured condition.Military officials said Aqeel is linked to the March 3 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore and failed attempts on former President Pervez Musharraf's life.
News On AIR | October 11, 2009 6:54 PM
Pakistan: hostage crisis ends, 19 killed in operation, mastermind arrested