Taliban claims responsibility for Pakistan police attack
Taliban claims responsibility for Pakistan police attack
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Tuesday, 31, Mar 2009 06:35
The head of the Taliban in Pakistan has claimed responsibility for an attack on a police academy in Lahore yesterday which left at least 12 people dead.
Speaking to the Reuters news agency, Baitullah Mehsud, said: "Yes, we have carried out this attack. I will give details later."
A fierce gun-battle and day-long siege broke out on Monday after gunmen stormed the compound near Lahore and began shooting at training officers.
Eyewitnesses report the attackers entered the compound dressed in police uniforms before throwing grenades and opening fire.
A stand-off then developed after it was reported the gunmen had taken around 30 hostages.
The siege finally came to an end after Pakistani forces sent in commandos to clear the compound of the militants.
The incident came less than a month after gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore.
Six police officers and a driver were injured in the incident and a number of the cricketers were left with injuries.