Accessibility links

Breaking News
News

Hundreds Escape Pakistan Prison


Policemen gather near a damaged jail gate after inmates escaped from the prison in the city of Bannu, Pakistan's northwest, April 15, 2012.
Policemen gather near a damaged jail gate after inmates escaped from the prison in the city of Bannu, Pakistan's northwest, April 15, 2012.

Officials in northwestern Pakistan say about 150 insurgents, armed with guns and rocket-propelled grenades, have stormed a prison, freeing more than 380 prisoners.

Authorities say many of those who escaped during the attack early Sunday were militants.

Prison officials describe 20 of the freed inmates as "dangerous."

One of the men was on death row for his involvement in an assassination attempt on former President Pervez Musharraf.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the assault.

The prison in the town of Bannu houses nearly 1,000 inmates.

Bannu is located at the entrance of North Waziristan, a known hub of Taliban and al-Qaida extremists.


Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP.

XS
SM
MD
LG