Pakistani commandos freed dozens of hostages held by militants at the army's own headquarters Sunday, ending a bloody, 22-hour drama that embarrassed the nation's military as it plans a new offensive, AP reported. The standoff killed 20 people, including three captives and nine militants, who wore army fatigues in the audacious assault. The rescue operation began before dawn Sunday, ultimately freeing 42 hostages, the military said. One attacker, described as the militants' ringleader, was captured. The attack on Pakistan's «Pentagon,» home to the nation's most powerful institution, showed the continued strength of insurgents despite military operations and U.S. missile strikes that have battered their ranks. It was the third major attack in Pakistan in a week and threatens to deflate the army's growing popularity in the wake of successful operations against the Taliban in the Swat Valley, Buner and Bajur. The government said the siege only steeled its resolve to go through with an offensive in South Waziristan, a tribal region along the Afghan border and a major militant stronghold. The U.S. and Pakistan's other Western allies want Islamabad to take more action against insurgents also blamed for soaring attacks on U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan. -- SPA
