Unleashing a fresh wave of terror, suspected Taliban militants, including women, on Thursday stormed a Federal Investigation Agency office and two police training units in near-simultaneous attacks in Pakistan's Lahore city, sparking fierce gun battles that killed at least 23 people.Among those killed in the attacks that took place a little after 9.15 am local time were five terrorists while the rest were security personnel and civilians. At least 18 people were also injured in the strikes.
Police said three groups of terrorists carried out the attacks, exchanging heavy gunfire with security forces at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) office on Temple Road located close to Mall Road, the Elite Force police training centre at Bedian Road which is six kms from the airport and another police training facility at Manawan on the outskirts of Lahore.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Pervaiz Rathore said security forces had successfully thwarted the attacks on the FIA office and the police training facility at Manawan.
{{/usCountry}}Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Pervaiz Rathore said security forces had successfully thwarted the attacks on the FIA office and the police training facility at Manawan.
{{/usCountry}}However, TV news channels reported that terrorists had taken some security personnel hostage at the facility at Bedian Road.
Pakistan has witnessed a sudden spurt in terror strikes since May after it launched an offensive against the Taliban in the restive North West Frontier Province.