Pakistan

Six soldiers killed in attack on army HQ in Rawalpindi

Article published on the 2009-10-10 Latest update 2009-10-11 10:48 TU

Security officials secure the gates to the army headquarters in Rawalpindi on 10 October
(Photo: Reuters)

Six soldiers were killed at an army headquarters in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad on Saturday after four attackers stormed the base. Meanwhile the death toll from a car bomb attack in Peshawar on Friday has risen to 52.

“The situation is under control”, Major General Athar Abbas told Pakistani television after four assailants attacked the army headquarters.

He said the fighting was over and army commandos had secured the area. Helicopter gunships were providing surveillance.

The attackers tried to gain access to the base using a van, but were stopped by guards and then opened fire.

Eyewitnesses said the firefight lasted for around an hour a half, and grenades were used. It was thought there were around five explosions.

Yesterday a car bomb attack in Peshawar killed 52 people after the Taliban vowed to avenge the death of Baitullah Mehsud, a senior member of the Taliban.