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10 Dead as Gunmen Hit Pakistani Army HQ

Third devastating attack in a week as Pakistan readies anti-Taliban offensive

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 10, 2009 6:39 AM CDT

(AP) – Gunmen wearing military uniforms and wielding assault rifles and grenades attacked Pakistan's army headquarters today, sparking a ferocious gun battle outside the capital that killed four of the assailants and at least six soldiers, authorities said. Two of the attackers managed to infiltrate the heavily fortified compound in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, and troops were trying to flush them out hours after the initial assault, the military said.

An AP reporter at the scene heard four gunshots from inside the compound long after an army spokesman said the situation was under control. The audacious assault was the third major militant attack in Pakistan in a week and came as the government readies an imminent offensive against Islamist militants. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

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A Pakistani army helicopter flies as troops keep their positions at its headquarters after an attack by gunmen at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistani troops arrive at headquarters to take positions after an attack by gunmen at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistani helicopters fly over headquarters after an attack by gunmen at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 10,2009. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistani troops take positions as an armored vehicle moves forward after an attack by gunmen at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistani troops stand beside a van, which was used by gunmen, after an attack at the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

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South Waziristan. - Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Pakistan's planned offensive on the Taliban

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10 Dead as Gunmen Hit Pakistani Army HQ