Pak launches massive manhunt to capture fleeing Al-Qaeda

Peshawar, Aug 15: Pakistani security have launched a massive manhunt for at least three Al-Qaeda suspects who escaped after a clash here overnight that left one of their companions dead, officials said today.
"Paramilitary soldiers, police commandoes and plain-clothed intelligence officials are combing the area," a security official told.
"Our focus is Bara and Jamrud towns" located in the tribal belt running along the eastern Afghan district of Jalalabad, he said.
Officials said security had been beefed up at all roads leading to the semi-autonomous region following a six-hour encounter in Peshawar city's suburban neighbourhood of Hayatabad late yesterday.
One Al-Qaeda suspect, identified as Libyan national Abdul Rehman, was killed in the clash that erupted after security forces surrounded a house in Hayatabad and advised the fugitives to surrender.

Those holed up inside responded with a volley of bullets and grenades.

Security forces returned fire, triggering a six-hour gunbattle, witnesses and officials said.

Security officials said the Libyan, killed when a grenade exploded in his hand, appeared to be a "well-trained militant."

He was carrying a hand grenade and a Kalashnikov rifle and had been firing on security forces perhaps to provide cover for the others to escape, a senior security official said on condition of anonymity.
Bureau Report