In Pakistan, the hostage crisis in the northwestern city of Peshawar has ended with at least three militants surrendering to the authorities after setting free two captured guards. They surrendered with their weapons and were detained in a military building. There were no reports of loss of life during the incident but the militants shot and injured one of the guards. Chief military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said the situation has been brought under control following the bloodless operation. The building is located a short distance from the US consulate and an office of the Intelligence Bureau. Earlier reports had suggested that a group of militants had entered the high-security area and engaged security forces in a gun battle. Key roads were blocked and traffic was diverted to other routes. Helicopters were used to conduct surveillance of the area. Peshawar's military airbase and the city's international airport are also located a few kilometres from the building where the incident occurred. Eye witnesses said the militants and security personnel exchanged fire several times but there were no casualties.