An estimated 150 Taliban fighters attacked the Bannu District’s prison compound overnight, fought their way in and freed 384 people, in what officials are calling a major setback for security forces.
The Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed credit for the raid, saying they were freeing “comrades” from the military. Bannu District borders both North and South Waziristan Agencies, and the prison appears to have been a popular destination for captured TTP members.
One prisoner at the site said that there were “huge explosions” when the attack began, followed by gunfire. He said the attack “must have been way past midnight.” Police also say that some of the attackers were armed with rocket-propelled grenades, which they used to blow open the gates.
Interestingly for such a massive attack, no one appears to have been killed. Bannu police said “at least three police officials were wounded,” and also claimed that four of the 384 have been re-arrested. It is unlikely that the majority will ever be found, however.
A U.S. Army soldier was killed by small arms fire Saturday, April 14 in Logar province. Nineteen U.S. soldiers have died in combat in Afghanistan since March 21, 2012. US officers continue to claim the Taliban are unable to conduct meaningful operations even as the death toll mounts.
How terrible! Organized (obviously) criminal gangs blow open the prison and release their comrades without killing anybody. Such lawlessness must be stamped out! Otherwise it may reach American prisons! Imagine that! If something like this happens in the good old USA, well, just think! Millions of angry people of (mostly) color, imprisoned and marginalized for (mostly) minor drug offenses might band together and – what? – attack the banks?
NO ONE KILLED = INSIDE JOB………………. I wonder if the guards drew straws to see who would be the ones to be "wounded"……??? They will probably keep their jobs BUT NOT get promoted, like those who guarded US on 911… like Michael Hayden and best of all, acting NORAD commander… General Ralph Eberhart. Things may be corrupt in Pakistan, but nothing compared to you know where ……………………..