Pakistani commandos freed dozens of hostages held by militants at the army's own headquarters on Sunday, ending a bloody, 22-hour
drama that embarrassed the nation's military as it plans a new offensive against al-Qaida and the Taliban.

At least 19 people died in the standoff, including three captives and eight of the militants, who wore army fatigues in the audacious assault. The rescue operation began before dawn Sunday, ultimately freeing 42 hostages, the military said.

One attacker, described as the militants' ringleader, was captured.