Pakistan launches operation to clear mosque compound

ISLAMABAD, July 10 (Reuters) Pakistani forces today launched an operation to clear militants form a mosque compound after talks to end a week-long standoff broke down, the military said.

''We launched an operation at 4 a.m. to clear the madrasa of militants,'' said military spokesman Major-General Waheed Arshad, referring to a religious school in the mosque compound.

Reuters SBA VP0520