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
