Security personnel stormed an Army intelligence office in Peshawar on Saturday to free two persons taken hostage by terrorists who had managed to escape from custody in the early hours. The hostage situation — which resulted in a prolonged gun battle near the U.S. consulate in Peshawar — ended after 10 hours with the surrender of the terrorists.
Though the presence of the U. S. consulate in the vicinity triggered speculation of the mission coming under attack again — terrorists had set off a massive explosion near it in April — it became clear as the day proceeded that three terrorists had overpowered their guards while being moved inside the Army's intelligence office.
After shooting at the guards, they took two persons hostage; resulting in the 10-hour-long gun battle. Security agencies were however not forthcoming with the details.
