Taliban fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades stormed a prison in north west Pakistan and freed 400 prisoners. The raid by more than 100 fighters was a dramatic display of the strength of the insurgency gripping the nuclear-armed country.
Police said at least 20 of the inmates set loose were ‘very dangerous’. The attackers battled their way into the prison in the city of Bannu. Prison superintendent Zahid Khan said they used explosives and hand grenades to knock down the main gates and two walls.u00a0
Under siege: Pakistani officials stand guard outside the prison in Bannu, where the Taliban attacked the jail. Pic/AFP
ADVERTISEMENT
Police officer Shafique Khan said they fought with guards for around two hours, setting part of the prison on fire before freeing the 380 inmates, including at least 20 ‘dangerous Taliban militants’.
Karzai compound attacked
Afghan Taliban insurgents have attacked the heavily-guarded palace compound of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement. There was no independent verification of the claim. Meanwhile, a Taliban spokesman said that the attacks were a retaliation for the Koran burnings, US Marine urination video and the Kandahar shooting massacre. u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
