Islamabad - A soldier was killed and at least five people including one schoolgirl were injured as security forces and militant students exchanged fire at a besieged mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Tuesday. The infantry soldier of Pakistan Rangers died from the bullet wound he received to his chest, a doctor told reporters.
Tension mounted as paramilitary troops and police moved in to cordon off the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, where hundreds of students have taken up positions to counter any operation against them.
Police using an armoured personnel carrier fired several tear gas shells at the mosque and its adjacent seminary, after which the students opened fire on the security forces.
Dozens of girl students of Jamia Hafsa seminary reportedly fainted during the clash and were taken to hospital.
Clerics of the Red Mosque also asked the students to take up their positions and prepare to carry out suicide attacks, local reports said.
Security personnel took up positions on rooftops of buildings surrounding the mosque complex, while armed students were also holed up in bunker-like structures made up of sandbags.
