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Taliban storm Pakistan jail, free 250

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — Dozens of Taliban militants armed with guns, grenades, and bombs attacked a prison in northwest Pakistan, freeing more than 250 prisoners, including 25 ‘‘dangerous terrorists,’’ officials said.

The militants killed six policemen, six Shi’ite Muslim prisoners, and two civilians during Monday night’s attack in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, said the town’s commissioner, Mushtaq Jadoon.

One of the Shi’ites was beheaded.

Around 70 militants arrived at the prison by car and motorcycle to begin the attack, which lasted for about four hours until most of the fighters escaped, said intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

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The attack began with a huge explosion that one resident, Sharafat Khan, said was so loud that ‘‘it rattled every house in the neighborhood.’’

The militants then detonated dozens of smaller bombs at different points along the prison walls, causing them to collapse, said Jadoon.

They also fired rocket-propelled grenades and lobbed hand grenades during the attack, he said.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying 150 militants took part.

The assault followed two similar prison breaks in Iraq last week that freed hundreds of inmates, including Al Qaeda members.

Associated Press