Commandos free hostages in Pakistan

PAKISTANI commandos freed dozens of hostages held by militants at the army’s own headquarters yesterday, ending a bloody, 22-hour drama that embarrassed the nation’s military as it plans a new offensive against al-Qaida and the Taliban.

The standoff killed 20 people, including three captives and nine militants, who wore army fatigues in the audacious assault. The rescue operation began before dawn yesterday, ultimately freeing 42 hostages, the military said.

One attacker, described as the militants’ ringleader, was captured.