Suicide bomb attack in Islamabad kills two persons

Islamabad, Jan 26 (UNI) At least two persons were killed and five others injured, one of them seriously, in a suicide bomb attack near parking area of Marriott hotel in Pakistan's capital here today.

The attacker, who had strapped explosive materials to his body, blew himself up on being intercepted by a private security guard while entering the hotel from a backdoor meant for the staff, Pakistan's private Geo TV quoted security officials and witnesses as saying.

Both the guard and the attacker were killed on the spot, the channel quoted witnesses as saying.

Marriott Hotel is surrounded by important government buildings including Prime Minister's house, President's house, Parliament house, Ministers colony, Pakistan Television, Pakistan Telecommunications, Pakistan secretariat that houses different ministries.

The explosion came days after the special investigations group (SIG) of the federal investigations agency (FIA) feared terrorist elements might launch fresh strikes all over Pakistan during the current Islamic month of Muharram.

Pakistani security forces had recovered at least four rockets from different parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi last September, which were allegedly planted by activists of banned militant outfits.

UNI