RAWALPINDI: Pakistani commandos freed dozens of hostages held by militants at the army’s own headquarters today, ending a bloody, 22-hour drama that embarrassed the nation’s military as it plans a new offensive against al-Qaida and the Taliban. At least 19 people died in the standoff, including three captives and eight of the militants, who wore army fatigues in the audacious assault. The rescue operation began before dawn today, ultimately freeing 42 hostages, the military said. One attacker, described as the militants’ ringleader, was captured. The attack on the nerve centre of the army, Pakistan’s most powerful institution, showed the continued strength of insurgents allied with al-Qaida and the Taliban despite military operations and US missile strikes that have battered their ranks. It was the third major attack in Pakistan in a week. The government said the siege only steeled its resolve to go through with an offensive in tribal South Waziristan.

Clinton warns on growing threat

LONDON: Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, has said that the attack on Pakistan’s army HQ is evidence of an increasing threat against the authority of the state. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Pakistan faced a “mortal threat”, but there was no risk of its nuclear weapons falling into terrorist hands. — AP