Lal Masjid showdown claim 12 lives in Islamabad -(ROP deploynig in their favorite Mosques)

ISLAMABAD (updated on: July 04, 2007, 03:49 PST): Pakistani security forces fought fierce gun battles with students of Lal mosque in Islamabad on Tuesday after a lengthy standoff exploded into violence, leaving 12 people dead and 140 hurt.

Clerics from the radical Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, vowed suicide attacks to avenge the 'blood of martyrs' after the day-long clashes. The victims included a soldier, a journalist, at least four students and several bystanders.

The shootout in the heart of the leafy capital followed months of tension over the mosque's challenges to the authority of President Pervez Musharraf, most recently the kidnapping of seven Chinese as part of an anti-vice campaign.

Deputy interior minister Zafar Warriach told reporters that nine people were killed and 140 wounded in the violence. Hospitals in the city later said that another three people had died, confirming that the overall toll was 12.

the famous religious artifacts an ak and a clip of ammo

women's lib group

Religious students stand on the balcony of their besieged Jamia Hafsa madrassa in centre Islamabad, Pakistan, on 03 July 2007 . A tear gas grenade was lobbed into the Jamia Hafsa madrassa for girls adjacent to the Red Mosque or Lal Masjid. One policeman got shot and killed. Over 1000 rangers supported by 500 police commandos are now deployed around the turbulent mosque. The Lal Masjid brigades called in more activists with advanced weapons, wireless systems and masks to defend their premises. Security forces and Islamic students have taken positions protected by sand bags. The government preferred a diplomatic solution over a military raid as thousands of girls are studying in the religious school. Lal Masjid leaders have warned the authorities that severe repercussions by suicide bombers would follow in any case of attack. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

A place of worship

Religious veteran students stand guard at the Red Mosque or Lal Masjid in centre Islamabad, Pakistan, on 03 July 2007 . A tear gas grenade was lobbed into the Jamia Hafsa madrassa for girls adjacent to the Red Mosque or Lal Masjid. One policeman got shot and killed. Over 1000 rangers supported by 500 police commandos are now deployed around the turbulent mosque. The Lal Masjid brigades called in more activists with advanced weapons, wireless systems and masks to defend their premises. Security forces and Islamic students have taken positions protected by sand bags. The government preferred a diplomatic solution over a military raid as thousands of girls are studying in the religious school. Lal Masjid leaders have warned the authorities that severe repercussions by suicide bombers would follow in any case of attack. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Pakistani rangers man a sand-bagged position in the centre of Islamabad 03 July 2007 during a stand off with militant students at the Red Mosque or Lal Masjid. At least two people were injured as security forces and militant students exchanged fire at the besieged mosque. Police using an armoured personnel carrier fired several tear gas shells at the mosque after which the students opened fire on the security forces. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

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