Pakistani troops end Lahore siege

Pakistani troops say they have taken control of a police academy after unidentified attackers had overrun the facility, killing up to 50 people and taking many officers hostage.

The surprise attack early on Monday on the outskirts of the eastern city of Lahore triggered several hours of heavy fighting between security forces and the assailants.

Private Pakistani television channels aired images of troops celebrating on the rooftop of a building in the police compound after the fighting ended.

Security officials said at least four of the attackers were killed and another six seized during the operation.

"The operation is over. It was a good operation led by security forces, elite commandos, police and army units," Major General Athar Abbas, a military spokesman, said.

Al Jazeera's Kamal Hyder reported that as many as 800 people were believed to be in the police building when the attack began.

The attack on the academy also left 100 policemen wounded.

Police disguises

A security official said the police officers were preparing for training when the attack began.

Witnesses said that some of the attackers had entered the academy disguised as police officers.