Gunmen Kill TouristsIn Pakistan

Gunmen have killed nine foreign tourists after storming a hotel in aremote area of northern Pakistan, say police. "Unknown people entered a hotel where foreign tourists were staying last night and opened fire," said Ali Sher, a senior police officer in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan province. The gunmen fled after the attack. Five Ukrainians, three Chinese, a Russian and their guide were killed in the attack near the base camp for the snow-covered Nanga Parbat mountain, a popular destination for trekkers, officials said. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. A senior government official said a large number of security personnel had been sent to the area. "Since the area is very remote with noroads or transport, their bodies will have to be retrieved by helicopter," the official said. Gilgit-Baltistan province - famous for its natural beauty - had been considered one of the more secure areas of Pakistan but in recent years has witnessed a spate of attacks by militants targeting members of Pakistan's Shi'ite minority in recent years. It was the first timeforeign tourists hadbeen attacked in the province, which is famous for its natural beauty. Pakistan receives few foreign tourists, but a trickle of visitors is tempted by the spectacular mountain scenery inits northern areas, where the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya mountain ranges converge.