Kayani's ability to accede to U.S. demands is greatly limited by events like the one Saturday, which stoke anti-U.S. fervor in Pakistan, said Talat Masood, a retired general and defense analyst.

WSJ: Airstrike Ravages U.S.-Pakistan Ties

The militants attacked the back of the compound and were confronted by three police guards, said police officer Masood Afridi.

NPR: Pakistani Militants Attack Court Complex; 3 Dead

"Those who have been more moderate, even those people are asking is it worth having a relationship with the U.S.?" Mr. Masood said.

WSJ: Airstrike Ravages U.S.-Pakistan Ties

Mr. Masood said he had taped a television chat show Saturday after the attack on the border posts during which he was the only participant arguing that the U.S. wouldn't have targeted Pakistani soldiers in Mohmand as a deliberate act of aggression.

WSJ: Airstrike Ravages U.S.-Pakistan Ties

Earlier Pakistani Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar said Jaish-e-Mohammad founder Masood Azhar and Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi had been held.

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