Prisoners escape in Pakistan jail attack

Taliban militants have attacked a jail in Pakistan; a number of prisoners have escaped

By Nicole Hamer |

11:44 30 July 2013

Taliban militants have attacked a jail in Pakistan, with more than 240 prisoners escaping. The prison, which is in Dera Ismail Khan, was attacked at about midnight on Monday, 29th July.

The attack involved there being large explosions at the jail.

As well as more than 240 prisoners being freed, a number of people have died. Local officials have said that at least 13 individuals have died.

It is understood that the jail in Dera Ismail Khan housed a number of Taliban as well as militants from forbidden groups.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani Taliban, Shahid Ullah Shahid, has claimed responsibility for the assault on the prison.

The assault on the Pakistan jail occurred just ahead of voting commencing for the Pakistan presidential election.

The current President of Pakistan is President Asif Ali Zardari.

Dera Ismail Khan is in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. It overlooks the Indus River. It is situated west of Lahore.