'Terrorists may target Indian, US embassies'

Islamabad, Dec 14: Pakistani intelligence agencies have warned against suicide attacks by terrorists based in the tribal areas and Swat targeting Indian and US embassies.

Sources quoted intelligence agencies as further saying that terrorists could target VVIPs including President Pervez Musharraf, former premier Benazir Bhutto, and sensitive national and military installations. Top targets include Indian and US embassies, their consulates and several other religious and political personalities are also on the hit list, said a confidential National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) report. NCMC Director (Operations) Lt Colonel Imran Yaqub has signed the report.

The report titled, "Threat to VVIPs, Politicians, Foreign Missions and Military Installations," was forwarded on December 12 to all Home Secretaries and police chiefs of the four provinces, the federal capital, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and the Northern Areas.

The report has also been sent to the Frontier Constabulary commandants in the NWFP and Balochistan and Director Generals of Rangers in the Punjab and Sindh.

The report further reveals that militants from Tribal Areas and Swat are planning to carry out suicide attacks in collusion with al Qaeda.

The Daily Times quoted sources as saying that the terrorists could be guised as women, or be in military or police uniforms.

"Furthermore, five suicide bombers have already entered the NWFP to move to their target areas," the report suggested.

In a separate letter addressed to the twin cities administration, dated December 12, the NCMC, quoting credible sources, revealed that a group of suicide bombers was preparing to hit the Attock Oil Refinery in Rawalpindi.

Also, in another letter of the Intelligence Bureau, dated December 12, the twin cities administration has been directed to take stringent security measures on the eves of Christmas and New Year.

"The emphasis needs to be on the security of foreign diplomats, foreigners living in Pakistan, and the Christian community who would attend Christmas prayers at different churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It is apprehended that hardcore religious elements may try to disrupt the New Year celebrations," the report said.

ANI
>