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Lal Masjid: Operation against militants after talks failed |
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Updated at:
1415
PST, Tuesday, July 10, 2007 |
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ISLAMABAD: The security forces operation continued against the militants entrenched in Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa after negotiations to free women and children failed,
According to reports over 70 militants have been killed and wounded in the operations against the militants.
ISPR has confirmed deaths of 50 militants in the operation. Eight security men including a captain were also martyred and several others wounded in the action against militants holed up in the Islamabad mosque.
Some 50 women including Umme Hassan, the wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz, and daughter Asma have also been taken into custody.
Abdul Rashid Ghazi said to be entrenched in the central hall of Jamia Hafsa along with some aides.
The hospitals of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have declared emergency.
Security forces have taken control of the most parts of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa buildings and conducting search of basements in the complex.
The troops have also destroyed bunkers built in the backyard of the children library building.
Pakistan military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad has confirmed that eight security men including Capt. Salman have been martyred during the security forces operation against the militants entrenched in Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa.
He said 50 militants have been killed in the operation Tuesday, while 50 others were arrested.
Talking to newsmen here Arshad said that the terrorists are highly trained and armed with machineguns, rocket launchers, hand grenades and other weapons. They are offering stiff resistance to the forces.
He also shown images of several parts of the seminary and told that the forces are conducting operation in southern part of the building, while the northern portion has been cleared.
He said the forces have captured 50 persons and no woman among them.
Major General Waheed Arshad said that 27 children who came out of the complex were brought to safety.
He said the militants are still present in the basement of Jamia Hafsa offering resistance to the forces. |
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ISSN 1563-9479 
