The Hindu : International : Pakistan tightens security amidst terror warnings

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 08, 2007
ePaper

International

International

Pakistan tightens security amidst terror warnings

Nirupama Subramanian

10 suicide bombers in Islamabad, say police

ISLAMABAD: Intelligence agencies in Pakistan have warned of more terrorist attacks, including in the capital, media reports said here on Wednesday. The country is on high alert and security has been heightened at several places.

Investigators are making efforts to establish the identity of the man who was killed at the capital's airport on Tuesday in an explosion apparently caused by a hand grenade that he was preparing to throw.

The man was originally thought to be a suicide bomber, but according to Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, he was not strapped up with explosives. Although badly disfigured, his body was found at the site almost intact. The Minister said the man had gone to the airport with the intention of carrying out a "terrorist attack." He was carrying two pistols and three grenades.

Investigators are now trying to establish the identity of the suspected militant with the help of his fingerprints. An alleged accomplice has been arrested. The two arrived at the airport in a taxi.

The man who was killed got off the vehicle when it was stopped for a security check and rushed towards the VIP lounge. Security personnel ran after him. According to the Minister they fired at him after he threw a grenade that did not explode. Hit by gunfire, the man fell, and the grenade exploded, killing him.

Investigators link the recent spate of attacks — Tuesday incident was the sixth in under two weeks — to a threat by Waziristan-based pro-Taliban militants to avenge military action against them.

The suicide attacks have come after the January 16 air strike by Pakistan on what it said was a militant training camp in South Waziristan. As many as 20 persons were killed in the strike.

PTI reports:

With the sudden spurt in suicide attacks by militants in Pakistan, diplomats have been asked to limit their movement following intelligence agency warning of more strikes aimed at high-value targets.

At least 10 suicide bombers had been dispatched to the city and nearby Rawalpindi, headquarters of the military, with orders to target hotels and buildings commonly used by dignitaries, police sources said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International