Indian special forces free hostages

CHINORE, India, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Indian Army special forces killed the last of three militants Thursday and freed seven hostages, including four children, a military spokesman said.

However, three men among the hostages were killed by the LeT militants before the final assault, the Press Trust of India reported.

Lt. Col. S.D. Goswami told PTI the final gun battle brought an end to the hostage situation after 19 hours.

"The operation is over," he said. "The final assault was launched at 11:45 p.m. last night by the special forces of the army and entire family of the house owner, including four children, were rescued."

Goswami said the special forces troops had killed all three LeT militants who had taken the family hostage. The children's mother sustained bullet injuries in her leg, he said.