Asia-Pacific
Gunmen cornered near US consulate in Peshawar
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-28 13:51
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ISLAMABAD - Pakistani security forces have cornered an unknown number of gunmen who launched an attack early Saturday morning near the US consulate in Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar, reported local media.
According to the reports, the incident broke out at about 5:00 a.m. local time at Shama chowk area in Peshawar, an area considered to be very sensitive as many government and international organization buildings including the US consulate are located over there.
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Police and security forces have quickly cordoned off the area where the shootout took place. All the roads leading to the area have been closed down. No traffic or pedestrians are seen on the streets close to the site except armed security personnel and military vehicles.
Helicopters have been called in to reinforce the security forces who have surrounded a government building where the unknown gunmen are reportedly being cornered inside. TV footage shows a helicopter is hovering over the area.
At the moment, the exchange of fires has stopped with no gunfires being heard. The clash between the gunmen and the security forces have reportedly entered a stalemate. Local reports say that the security forces have brought the situation under control and the gunmen cornered could quickly be apprehended.
No injuries or deaths have been reported since the firing broke out.
So far it is not known what is the target of the gunmen. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
On Friday, local Taliban has hinted attacks on foreign relief workers who have offered to come and help the flood victims in the country which has been plagued by serious floods for a month-long time.
Local Taliban once offered to provide $20 million to the Pakistani government for flood relief if it refuses to accept foreign aid, especially the aid from the United States and NATO countries.