World | Pakistan
Pakistan commandos end police academy siege
Four intruders killed in fierce gunbattle after terrorists rampage through Lahore complex.
- By Mohammad Rizwan Correspondent
- Published: 08:13 March 30, 2009
- Armed assailants attacked a police training academy in eastern Pakistan on Monday.
- Image Credit: AP
Lahore: Pakistani commandos retook control of a police academy in Lahore on Monday after militants rampaged through the complex, killing at least eight cadets and wounding scores before holing up inside for hours.
"The operation is over. Four terrorists were killed and three arrested," Interior Ministry Secretary Kamal Shah said. Shah said 89 policemen were wounded, and Interior Ministry chief Rahman Malek said all those taken to hospital were being screened to ensure no militants were hiding among them.
"I salute the bravery and valour exhibited by the police and security personnel during this intense and complicated operation," Major General Shafqat, General Officer Commanding of Fourth Corps told media. "We managed to capture three terrorists alive while the rest blew themselves up."
Punjab police chief Khawaja Khalid Farooq and a military spokesman said eight recruits were killed though there had been reports the toll would be higher as there were 900 cadets in the academy at the time of the attack. Commandos rescued 10 policemen being held hostage.
Agencies add: Soldiers and other security forces battled gunmen for hours after the initial assault on the outskirts of the city. Television footage showed armoured vehicles entering the compound after the attack.
Some police tried to escape by crawling on their hands and knees around others' limp bodies. More than 90 people were wounded.
Officer Syed Ahmad Mobin said at least 700 trainee officers were inside the academy at the time.
Monday's attack occurred as dozens of the officers carried out morning drills at the Manawan Police Training School.
"We were attacked with bombs. Thick smoke surrounded us. We all ran in panic in different directions," said Mohammad Asif, a wounded officer taken to a hospital. He described the attackers as bearded and young.
TV footage showed several frightened police officers jumping over the wall of the academy to escape the attack.
Some crouched behind the concrete wall of the compound, their rifles pointed in the direction of the parade ground where police said the attack took place.
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