33 PAKISTANI TALIBAN FIGHTERS KILLED DURING HOSTAGE RELEASE

Pakistani security forces killed all 33 militants of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP, banned in Russia) radical group that seized the Counter Terrorism Directorate building on December 18, taking hostage staff members of the national security services. This was announced by the Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif, as reported by Reuters. The hostages were released. During the release, two officers of the special forces were killed.

According to Reuters sources, the hostages included six security personnel and several other citizens. From 10 to 15 servicemen were wounded in the course of the release of the hostages, Khawaja Asif said, AFP reports.

On December 18, TTP militants seized a counter-terrorism center in north-western Pakistan. The militants demanded unhindered access to the North Waziristan region bordering with Afghanistan in exchange for the release of the hostages. The authorities refused to comply with the group's demands.

On November 28, the TTP terminated the ceasefire agreement signed with the government of Pakistan and ordered its fighters to arrange terrorist attacks throughout the country. This came as a result of futile peace talks with the government.