The standoff at the Red Mosque in the center of Islamabad, Pakistan, is nearing a potentially bloody crescendo. Pakistan's security forces have demolished nearly all the outer walls of the complex, and sporadic small-arms fire continues. At least 24 people have been killed since the hostage-taking and siege began 5 days ago.

Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, has told the radical cleric holed up inside the Mosque, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, there will be no further negotiations, he and his student militia must surrender or prepare to die. Musharraf did, however, say he will not rule out a prolonged siege in the interests of saving the lives of the women and children inside the temple.

Spain's La Vanguardia newspaper reports that last night 7 powerful blasts were heard in the confines of the mosque complex, and that the students inside had used "heavy artillery" against the military personnel, provoking an intense firefight which led to the death of one person struck by a stray bullet at 5 kilometers' distance.

Reports also say the siege has paralyzed the city of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, and normally a terrain controlled by Musharraf's forces. There is a round-the-clock curfew in effect, which the government lifts for a couple of hours each day to allow citizens to buy food or make visits to friends and family. But the entire capital seems, in a sense, under military occupation, as all efforts are concentrated on the Red Mosque. [s]

• La Vanguardia: "Demolidos casi todos los muros de la Mezquita Roja tras cinco días de asedio"