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Pakistani Soldiers Storm Mosque

50 militants killed in day of fighting; hostages' fate unknown

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2007 8:00 AM CST

(Newser) – Almost 60 people are confirmed dead and dozens more feared killed 12 hours after the Pakistani army launched an all-out assault on the Red Mosque in Islamabad. A general says that most of the mosque is now under control, but militants continue to resist with rocket launchers and booby traps. The fate of the hundreds of hostages trapped inside remains uncertain.

The attack began after negotiations broke down late last night. General Pervez Musharraf has been in a tricky position throughout the crisis, since large-scale casualties from an attack could lead to a backlash against his government. As for the leader of the militants, the escalation of violence may play perfectly into his hands. "My martyrdom is certain now," he says.

Smoke rises from Lal masjid, or Red mosque, during heavy gunbattle between Pakistan troops and militants, Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Troops stormed the compound of Islamabad's Red... (Associated Press)

Pakistan's paramilitary troops move towards forward positions at Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, July 10, 2007. Pakistani troops attempted to flush out holdouts entrenched... (Associated Press)

A Pakistan army armored vehicle moves towards the forward positions at Lal or Red Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, July 10, 2007. Troops stormed the compound of Islamabad's Red Mosque on Tuesday,... (Associated Press)

A Pakistani cameraman films the smoke erupting from Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque during a gun-battle between Pakistan troops and militants, Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Troops stormed the... (Associated Press)

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Pakistani Soldiers Storm Mosque

50 militants killed in day of fighting; hostages' fate unknown

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Pakistani Soldiers Storm Mosque

50 militants killed in day of fighting; hostages' fate unknown

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

More News on the Attack

Related Links

Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Red Mosque • Abdul Rashid Ghazi

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Musharraf Faces Bumpy Road to Re-Election

Bhutto mounts challenge to second presidential term

Death Toll in Red Mosque Siege Tops 80

Commandos clear compound after 8-day standoff, 35-hour battle

Mosque Siege Ends; Cleric Dead

Crossfire takes out militants' leader

Radicals Kill Pakistani Colonel

Mosque crisis continues, as Islamic students remain barricaded inside

Red Mosque Holdouts Vow to Die

Pakistani government halts assault to allow women to escape, but rejects anything but unconditional surrender

About Us

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Newser By Users

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