Gunmen cornered near U.S. consulate in NW Pakistan
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At least three gunmen were involved in the firing incident which broke out early Saturday morning near the U.S. consulate in Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar, reported local media.
According to the reports, the security forces have cornered the gunmen inside a government building and the situation is completely under their control. A large number of security forces have been deployed around the area where the incident took place. Helicopters have been called in to monitor the development.
Saturday's attack by unknown gunmen reportedly started at about 5:00 am. in Shama chowk area in Peshawar, an area considered to be very sensitive in the city as many government, military and international organization buildings including the U.S. consulate are located there.
Eyewitnesses said that the firing first broke out with a low-intensity blast followed by fierce gunfires.
Latest news reports said that the firing broke out when unknown gunmen tried to force into the secured area nearby the U.S. consulate.
Shortly after the shoot-out took place, the security forces have cleared the area and all the roads leading to the site have been closed down. No traffic or pedestrians are seen on the streets near the area except armed security personnel and military vehicles. Helicopters are seen hovering over the area.
So far no casualties have been reported. The U.S. consulate is said to be safe. It is not known whether there are any people inside the building who have been held hostage by the gunmen cornered inside.
On Friday, local media reported that Taliban has threatened to attack 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 U.S. dollars to the Pakistani government for flood relief if it refuses to accept foreign aid, especially the aid from the United States and NATO countries.
A couple of days ago, the Pakistani government has ordered police to raid the relief camps set up by Taliban in the country's northwest tribal area and this has apparently angered Taliban. Shortly following the order issued, a series of terrorist attacks have been reported in Pakistan which has seen less terrorist attacks since the end of July after it was hit by serious flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains.
