Suicide bomb attack kills two in Islamabad

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

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

It was a suicide attack, which killed the bomber and a security guard of the hotel, Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah told reporters.

He said the attacker, who had strapped explosive materials to his body blew himself up on being intercepted by the guard while entering into the hotel from a backdoor meant for the staff.

Body parts of both the guard and the attackers were littered near the site of the attack. Security officials feared it would have caused colossal loss of life had the bomber entered the hotel.

Mr Shah said guard's face was identifiable while body parts of the attacker were being examined by experts to ascertain his identity, adding the team of National Database Authority (NADRA) has also reached the site to take picture of the bomber and match it with the data available with it.

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf strongly condemned the suicide bomber attack and directed authorities to bring to book the masterminds of the incident.

A grand function by the Indian high commission was scheduled in the evening to mark the Republic Day, Pakistan's private Geo TV reported.

Marriott Hotel is surrounded by important government buildings including Prime Minister's house, President's house, Parliament house, ministers colony, Pakistan Television, Pakistan Telecommunications and 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.

Interior ministry officials said security had been put on a high alert in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and other major cities of the country to prevent possible terror attacks.

The SIG report had warned that two activists of the banned anti-Shiite outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Asif Chotoo and Usman Chota, who became active again may also launch fresh terror strikes during Muharram.

They were also involved in a suicide bomb attack on the shrine of a sufi saint Bari Imam in Islamabad, which left over 30 people killed.

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

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