BRKG Explosion in lobby of Marriot in Pakistan
- Thread starter RobinYyes
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- pakistan suicide bomber
fairbanksb
Freedom Isn't Free
Cavuto just said that this hotel is frequented by Americans and there are deaths reported, we just don't know how many.
RobinYyes
Deceased
Suspected suicide bomb explodes outside Islamabad hotel 14 minutes ago
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A suspected suicide attack caused a huge explosion outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, witnesses and police said.
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"The explosion happened as a car reached the barricade outside the hotel," said a senior police official, adding that it appeared to have been a suicide attack.
A Reuters witness said he could see fires in at least two places in the hotel and at least 20 cars parked on the street outside had been destroyed.
Television showed bodies being carried away, but there was no immediate word on the total number of casualties.
(Reporting by Simon Cameron-Moore and Robert Birsel)
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A suspected suicide attack caused a huge explosion outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, witnesses and police said.
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"The explosion happened as a car reached the barricade outside the hotel," said a senior police official, adding that it appeared to have been a suicide attack.
A Reuters witness said he could see fires in at least two places in the hotel and at least 20 cars parked on the street outside had been destroyed.
Television showed bodies being carried away, but there was no immediate word on the total number of casualties.
(Reporting by Simon Cameron-Moore and Robert Birsel)
RobinYyes
Deceased
Huge explosion at Marriott Hotel in Pakistani capital, casualties feared
By ASIF SHAHZAD | Associated Press Writer
9:23 AM CDT, September 20, 2008
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) _ A huge explosion ripped through part of the heavily guarded Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital on Saturday. Many people, including foreigners, were seen running out, some of them stained with blood.
There was no immediate word on casualties at the site, which is a favorite place for foreigners to stay and is heavily guarded. Ambulances rushed to the scene, where a fire also burned.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, and its exact cause was unclear. But Pakistan has faced a wave of militant violence in recent weeks following army-led offensives against insurgents in its border regions.
Mohammad Sultan, a hotel employee, said he was in the lobby when something exploded, he fell down, and everything temporarily went dark.
"I don't understand what it was but it was like the world is finished," he said.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — A large explosion has occurred in the vicinity of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital.
The blast resounded through Islamabad but there was no immediate word on casualties or the cause.
Many foreigners stay in the hotel while visiting Pakistan and it is heavily guarded.
Pakistan has faced a wave of violence in recent weeks following military offensives against insurgents in its border regions.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-as-pakistan-explosion,0,2709367.story
Fox news is saying this explosion happened shortly after sunset when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan....
By ASIF SHAHZAD | Associated Press Writer
9:23 AM CDT, September 20, 2008
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) _ A huge explosion ripped through part of the heavily guarded Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital on Saturday. Many people, including foreigners, were seen running out, some of them stained with blood.
There was no immediate word on casualties at the site, which is a favorite place for foreigners to stay and is heavily guarded. Ambulances rushed to the scene, where a fire also burned.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, and its exact cause was unclear. But Pakistan has faced a wave of militant violence in recent weeks following army-led offensives against insurgents in its border regions.
Mohammad Sultan, a hotel employee, said he was in the lobby when something exploded, he fell down, and everything temporarily went dark.
"I don't understand what it was but it was like the world is finished," he said.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — A large explosion has occurred in the vicinity of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital.
The blast resounded through Islamabad but there was no immediate word on casualties or the cause.
Many foreigners stay in the hotel while visiting Pakistan and it is heavily guarded.
Pakistan has faced a wave of violence in recent weeks following military offensives against insurgents in its border regions.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-as-pakistan-explosion,0,2709367.story
Fox news is saying this explosion happened shortly after sunset when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan....
RobinYyes
Deceased
Anne Curry is saying the crater (from the truck) is twenty feet deep and 40 feet in diameter. 
Pics are showing almost full involvement of fire on the hotel with emergency services still arriving, but not a lot of fire fighting going on....People are milling about being very quiet.
Pics are showing almost full involvement of fire on the hotel with emergency services still arriving, but not a lot of fire fighting going on....People are milling about being very quiet.
ontheright
TROPIC LIGHTNING GO 25th
DANG that was one big bomb for sure....
ontheright
TROPIC LIGHTNING GO 25th
Me thinks Osama and Zawahiri are making their move for taking over Pakistan and their nukes
ontheright
TROPIC LIGHTNING GO 25th
This from AlJazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2008/09/200892014179932320.html
edited to add......BBC now reporting 40 deadhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2008/09/200892014179932320.html
edited to add......BBC now reporting 40 deadhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/
LittleJohn
Membership Revoked
Spirit Of Truth
Deceased
Anyone else worried this might be the start of a "string" of events? New tapes released this week, Israel pleas for all citizens to leave Egypt post haste due to imminent threats, then this.
I'm a little more nervous about attacks in the US soon then normal. College and/or NFL games come to mind. Hope it just unjustified concerns that go along anytime something like this happens.
I'm a little more nervous about attacks in the US soon then normal. College and/or NFL games come to mind. Hope it just unjustified concerns that go along anytime something like this happens.
Echo 5
Funniest guy on TB2K
If you've been following Peeky's thread in the BS, then you knew something was coming. Yes, this may be the start of a larger campaign. We'll see.
mzkitty
I give up.
Yes, there is more:
Attack on Army Convoy in Pakistan Kills 6
Saturday, September 20, 2008
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — A car bomber attacked an army convoy in Pakistan's militant-plagued northwest Saturday, killing three civilians, three soldiers and himself, an army spokesman said.
The dead included a child and five soldiers were wounded, said Maj. Murad Khan. The spokesman said the convoy was headed to Miran Shah, the main town in North Waziristan, part of Pakistan's tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
The U.S. says the semi-autonomous tribal regions have become bases for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters involved in attacks on American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Washington has pressured Pakistan to crack down on extremism in the areas and has even staged unilateral operations on Pakistani territory, which have angered the Muslim nation.
The Pakistan-U.S. relationship was expected to be a focus of a key speech to parliament by newly elected Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari later Saturday.
Pakistan has said it is doing its best to fulfill its role in the war on terror, deploying more than 100,000 troops along its northwest to flush out militants.
The country also is staging two major military operations in the northwest, including one in the Bajur tribal region that has killed hundreds of suspected militants.
Government official Iqbal Khattak said nine more alleged militants died Saturday in the Bajur offensive. The previous day also witnessed the deaths of nine suspected militants, according to Khan.
Although no one immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, the Pakistani Taliban have said they were behind a string of bombings in the past few weeks in revenge for the military offensives.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425662,00.html
Attack on Army Convoy in Pakistan Kills 6
Saturday, September 20, 2008
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — A car bomber attacked an army convoy in Pakistan's militant-plagued northwest Saturday, killing three civilians, three soldiers and himself, an army spokesman said.
The dead included a child and five soldiers were wounded, said Maj. Murad Khan. The spokesman said the convoy was headed to Miran Shah, the main town in North Waziristan, part of Pakistan's tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
The U.S. says the semi-autonomous tribal regions have become bases for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters involved in attacks on American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Washington has pressured Pakistan to crack down on extremism in the areas and has even staged unilateral operations on Pakistani territory, which have angered the Muslim nation.
The Pakistan-U.S. relationship was expected to be a focus of a key speech to parliament by newly elected Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari later Saturday.
Pakistan has said it is doing its best to fulfill its role in the war on terror, deploying more than 100,000 troops along its northwest to flush out militants.
The country also is staging two major military operations in the northwest, including one in the Bajur tribal region that has killed hundreds of suspected militants.
Government official Iqbal Khattak said nine more alleged militants died Saturday in the Bajur offensive. The previous day also witnessed the deaths of nine suspected militants, according to Khan.
Although no one immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, the Pakistani Taliban have said they were behind a string of bombings in the past few weeks in revenge for the military offensives.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425662,00.html
mzkitty
I give up.
And why?
Bush to Meet with Pakistan's New President
Thursday, September 18, 2008
WASHINGTON — President Bush's meeting next week with Pakistan's new president comes amid a surge of cross-border operations by U.S. forces that have strained the nations' seven-year-old alliance to fight extremists.
Bush will meet Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, White House press secretary Dana Perino announced Thursday.
Pakistani officials said they received no advance warning about a missile strike that they claim U.S. troops launched Wednesday in northwest Pakistan. That same day, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in Pakistan assuring leaders that the U.S. respected the Muslim nation's sovereignty.
The White House, which would not comment on Wednesday's strike, has long worried about Taliban and al-Qaida militants' use of Pakistan's lawless tribal regions near the Afghan border. The Bush administration says the border region is a staging area for attacks on U.S. and other forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
Pakistan insists that it is doing all it can to battle extremists. It says unilateral attacks will simply deepen tribal sympathy for militants.
After a ground assault on Sept. 3, Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani issued a strong public rebuke to the U.S., saying Pakistan's territorial integrity "will be defended at all cost." He denyed that there was any agreement for U.S. forces to operate there, and said Pakistani troops had orders to fire on intruding forces.
Perino said that in their meeting, Bush and Zardari will discuss efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship and build a long-term partnership. "President Zardari, who carries on the legacy of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and President Bush are expected to focus on cooperation in combating terrorism, strengthening the economy and fostering democracy in Pakistan," she said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,424782,00.html
Bush to Meet with Pakistan's New President
Thursday, September 18, 2008
WASHINGTON — President Bush's meeting next week with Pakistan's new president comes amid a surge of cross-border operations by U.S. forces that have strained the nations' seven-year-old alliance to fight extremists.
Bush will meet Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, White House press secretary Dana Perino announced Thursday.
Pakistani officials said they received no advance warning about a missile strike that they claim U.S. troops launched Wednesday in northwest Pakistan. That same day, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in Pakistan assuring leaders that the U.S. respected the Muslim nation's sovereignty.
The White House, which would not comment on Wednesday's strike, has long worried about Taliban and al-Qaida militants' use of Pakistan's lawless tribal regions near the Afghan border. The Bush administration says the border region is a staging area for attacks on U.S. and other forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
Pakistan insists that it is doing all it can to battle extremists. It says unilateral attacks will simply deepen tribal sympathy for militants.
After a ground assault on Sept. 3, Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani issued a strong public rebuke to the U.S., saying Pakistan's territorial integrity "will be defended at all cost." He denyed that there was any agreement for U.S. forces to operate there, and said Pakistani troops had orders to fire on intruding forces.
Perino said that in their meeting, Bush and Zardari will discuss efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship and build a long-term partnership. "President Zardari, who carries on the legacy of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and President Bush are expected to focus on cooperation in combating terrorism, strengthening the economy and fostering democracy in Pakistan," she said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,424782,00.html
Spirit Of Truth
Deceased
This is a disturbing concept.
I have been busy warning the world about the potential for a 'Grand Supercycle crash' this Autumn. Clearly, a mass panic has started to develop on Wall Street and global financial markets. However, this may simply have been the beginning of international anxiety and fear. I've long held that 'mass panic' can take the form of historical shocks, like 9/11, Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, etc. It is therefore conceivable that this terror attack reflects that the developing wave of mass fear is now taking the form of negative historical events. If so, and this is truly the Grand Supercycle crash, then history is about to get very ugly indeed...
http://TheSpiritOfTruth.blogspot.com
http://www.spiritoftruth.org/stockmarketcrash.htm
I have been busy warning the world about the potential for a 'Grand Supercycle crash' this Autumn. Clearly, a mass panic has started to develop on Wall Street and global financial markets. However, this may simply have been the beginning of international anxiety and fear. I've long held that 'mass panic' can take the form of historical shocks, like 9/11, Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, etc. It is therefore conceivable that this terror attack reflects that the developing wave of mass fear is now taking the form of negative historical events. If so, and this is truly the Grand Supercycle crash, then history is about to get very ugly indeed...
http://TheSpiritOfTruth.blogspot.com
http://www.spiritoftruth.org/stockmarketcrash.htm
Last edited:
night driver
ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
That isn't even at the ENTRANCE for the Hotel.
That is to the left (in the view above) from the entrance.....about 40 meters left as a mattter of fact. that was a LOT of explosive. HADDA be a truck to spread the demolition that far.....
My suspicion is that the death number will rise, given they are talking aobut late evening there....folks in one of the 4 restaurants on the first floor, plus rooms and such.
Dang that lobby was just WAY too dang pretty.....
That is to the left (in the view above) from the entrance.....about 40 meters left as a mattter of fact. that was a LOT of explosive. HADDA be a truck to spread the demolition that far.....
My suspicion is that the death number will rise, given they are talking aobut late evening there....folks in one of the 4 restaurants on the first floor, plus rooms and such.
Dang that lobby was just WAY too dang pretty.....
annieosage
Inactive
Yes. I read on another board that one of the banquet rooms had like 300-400 people celebrating the end of Ramadan and the ceiling collapsed on them.
That's what I heard. Death toll now at 55
night driver
ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
Yeah the main banquet rooms WERE at that end of the front of the Hotel....the smaller ones were to the right.
maric
Short but deadly
Navydad
Inactive
Link to BBC video of eyewitness.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7627135.stm
A massive bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killing at least 40 people.
The BBC's Barbara Plett, who is at the scene, says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel.
She says heavy equipment has been brought in to clear the debris so that firefighters can reach the building, which is still engulfed in flames.
Police say they believe the blast was a suicide car bombing.
The owner of the hotel told the BBC that the explosion occurred when a lorry, which was being checked by security staff and sniffer dogs at the hotel entrance, blew up.
The explosion is thought to have been caused by more than a tonne of explosives. Police are warning that the hotel could collapse.
Pakistan has seen a lot of violence over the past year in its battle with Islamist militancy but Islamabad has never seen anything like this before, our correspondent says.
Heavy security
A huge area of the 290-room hotel remains on fire hours after the explosion.
The BBC's Barbara Plett says the emergency services have been unable to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared to be trapped.
A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground.
"I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency.
There are reports that at least 200 people were in the hotel's restaurants at the time of the explosion, many breaking their Ramadan fast.
The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions.
It is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.
The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
Insurgency
In an interview with the BBC, Senator Enver Beg, from the Pakistan People's Party, appealed to the international community for help in the struggle against terrorism.
"Pakistan is a frontline country in the war on terror. We are, again, with suicide bombings which are taking place all over the country.
"Our economy is affected because of these terrorist activities. And I think the international community has to come out and help Pakistan to fight against this terrorism," he said.
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror"
The White House condemned the attack and said it was "a reminder of the threat we all face".
The US would "stand with Pakistan's democratically elected government as they confront this challenge", the statement added.
UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband called the attack "disgraceful" and said it would reinforce Britain's resolve to fight violent extremism with Pakistan.
The bomb attack came just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.
In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads".
He was speaking in Islamabad, just several hundred metres to the east of the Marriott.
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.
In recent months Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.
Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants based in Pakistan's north-west tribal region have repeatedly carried out attacks across the border in Afghanistan.
Militants have also carried out waves of attacks in Pakistan in recent years.
Just over a year ago, Pakistani army commandos stormed Islamabad's Red Mosque - also known as Lal Masjid - which had been taken over by pro-Taleban clerics.
The operation brought an end to the bloody siege. But Islamist militants responded with a wave of suicide bombings around the country that killed around 1,000 people
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7627135.stm
A massive bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killing at least 40 people.
The BBC's Barbara Plett, who is at the scene, says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel.
She says heavy equipment has been brought in to clear the debris so that firefighters can reach the building, which is still engulfed in flames.
Police say they believe the blast was a suicide car bombing.
The owner of the hotel told the BBC that the explosion occurred when a lorry, which was being checked by security staff and sniffer dogs at the hotel entrance, blew up.
The explosion is thought to have been caused by more than a tonne of explosives. Police are warning that the hotel could collapse.
Pakistan has seen a lot of violence over the past year in its battle with Islamist militancy but Islamabad has never seen anything like this before, our correspondent says.
Heavy security
A huge area of the 290-room hotel remains on fire hours after the explosion.
The BBC's Barbara Plett says the emergency services have been unable to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared to be trapped.
A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground.
"I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency.
There are reports that at least 200 people were in the hotel's restaurants at the time of the explosion, many breaking their Ramadan fast.
The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions.
It is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.
The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
Insurgency
In an interview with the BBC, Senator Enver Beg, from the Pakistan People's Party, appealed to the international community for help in the struggle against terrorism.
"Pakistan is a frontline country in the war on terror. We are, again, with suicide bombings which are taking place all over the country.
"Our economy is affected because of these terrorist activities. And I think the international community has to come out and help Pakistan to fight against this terrorism," he said.
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror"
The White House condemned the attack and said it was "a reminder of the threat we all face".
The US would "stand with Pakistan's democratically elected government as they confront this challenge", the statement added.
UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband called the attack "disgraceful" and said it would reinforce Britain's resolve to fight violent extremism with Pakistan.
The bomb attack came just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.
In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads".
He was speaking in Islamabad, just several hundred metres to the east of the Marriott.
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.
In recent months Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.
Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants based in Pakistan's north-west tribal region have repeatedly carried out attacks across the border in Afghanistan.
Militants have also carried out waves of attacks in Pakistan in recent years.
Just over a year ago, Pakistani army commandos stormed Islamabad's Red Mosque - also known as Lal Masjid - which had been taken over by pro-Taleban clerics.
The operation brought an end to the bloody siege. But Islamist militants responded with a wave of suicide bombings around the country that killed around 1,000 people
almost ready
Inactive
ramadan isn't over
until the 29th.
until the 29th.
CelticRose
Membership Revoked
Agreed!
RobinYyes
Deceased
**UPDATE**
Um this is disturbing....
Senior CIA officers were target of Islamabad blast
September 20th, 2008 - 10:13 pm ICT by ANI -
Islamabad , Sept 20 (ANI): Several senior officers of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who are reported to be currently visiting Islamabad were the target of the blast at the Marriott Hotel which took place here tonight.
Well placed sources said that Marriott Hotel is usual hotel choice of the US officials and it seems that militants tipped off that certain high level US intelligence officers were currently staying at the hotel.
While no confirmation was available but Pakistan sources said it was clear that the explosion was aimed at specific targets based on a tip off.
At least twenty people were killed, and scores others seriously injured, when an explosives laden truck rammed into Marriott Hotel here today.
Over 50 people have been admitted in the local hospitals.
The powerful explosion caused fire in many parts of the hotel besides damaging the buildings around the hotel. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal...-were-target-of-islamabad-blast_10097943.html
Um this is disturbing....
Senior CIA officers were target of Islamabad blast
September 20th, 2008 - 10:13 pm ICT by ANI -
Islamabad , Sept 20 (ANI): Several senior officers of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who are reported to be currently visiting Islamabad were the target of the blast at the Marriott Hotel which took place here tonight.
Well placed sources said that Marriott Hotel is usual hotel choice of the US officials and it seems that militants tipped off that certain high level US intelligence officers were currently staying at the hotel.
While no confirmation was available but Pakistan sources said it was clear that the explosion was aimed at specific targets based on a tip off.
At least twenty people were killed, and scores others seriously injured, when an explosives laden truck rammed into Marriott Hotel here today.
Over 50 people have been admitted in the local hospitals.
The powerful explosion caused fire in many parts of the hotel besides damaging the buildings around the hotel. (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal...-were-target-of-islamabad-blast_10097943.html
mt4design
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Well, we already had that attack in Yemen this week too so I'd say that AQ pushing the issue.
This could get really bad.
Since Pakistan is much closer to the center of the AQ universe, is nuclear armed and already under deep political stress I'm pretty bothered by this. AQ could bring about the civil war they so desired for Iraq right there in Pakistan.
Mike
This could get really bad.
Since Pakistan is much closer to the center of the AQ universe, is nuclear armed and already under deep political stress I'm pretty bothered by this. AQ could bring about the civil war they so desired for Iraq right there in Pakistan.
Mike
mt4design
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Chuck, since you're familiar, is this shot actually taken outside the main entrance area? I mean, on the street?
My God, look at this one...
More images here...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jM_dFZu6OlJGY-syTjldIu-BXZeAD93AL9200
and here...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7627175.stm
shots of foreigners... certainly westerners.
Link to the New York Times photos...
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/09/20/world/20080920-ISLAMABAD_index.html
Mike
My God, look at this one...
More images here...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jM_dFZu6OlJGY-syTjldIu-BXZeAD93AL9200
and here...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7627175.stm
shots of foreigners... certainly westerners.
Link to the New York Times photos...
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/09/20/world/20080920-ISLAMABAD_index.html
Mike
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workerbee
* Winter is Coming *
http://www.debka.com/headline_print.php?hid=5596
The death toll of 60, plus 200 injured expected to rise after huge explosion at Islamabad hotel
DEBKAfile Special Report
September 20, 2008, 10:22 PM (GMT+02:00)
Many people were trapped in rooms of the burning five-star Marriott Hotel in the Pakistan capital after a suicide bomber detonated a large truck loaded with a ton of explosives at the hotel gate, killing at least 60 people and injuring some 200 more. The Marriott, frequented by foreigner and local VIPs and the hotel of choice for American officials, is danger of collapse.
The ceiling of the banqueting hall crashed down on 500 guests at the Ramadan evening meal. The Pakistani president and prime minister were to have attended, but changed their plans. The blast left a huge crater outside the US-owned hotel, which has been attacked by terrorists twice before, and destroyed dozens of cars and neighboring buildings.
According to some sources, a group of CIA officers just arrived in Islamabad may have been targeted. The Pakistani Taliban was reported to have claimed responsibility for the attack which DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources note came four days after its partner, al Qaeda, attacked the US embassy in Sanaa, killing seventeen people.
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was quoted by the LA Times Saturday as reporting that US military advisers would arrive in Islamabad within weeks to train the Pakistan army in counterinsurgency warfare.
A few hours earlier and half a mile away from the Marriott, new Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari pledged to fight terrorism in his first address to parliament. While the ongoing military campaign against Taliban and al Qaeda in the tribal region is unpopular, Zardari was applauded when he declared Pakistan would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty by “any power” – a reference to the recent US cross-border raids and missile attacks against their sanctuaries in Pakistani tribal lands.
In North Waziristan, at least eight Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on their military convoy Saturday. A large number of Arab and Central Asian fighters linked to al Qaeda are reported to be hiding near the town of Mir Ali, the site of Saturday's attack.
The death toll of 60, plus 200 injured expected to rise after huge explosion at Islamabad hotel
DEBKAfile Special Report
September 20, 2008, 10:22 PM (GMT+02:00)
Many people were trapped in rooms of the burning five-star Marriott Hotel in the Pakistan capital after a suicide bomber detonated a large truck loaded with a ton of explosives at the hotel gate, killing at least 60 people and injuring some 200 more. The Marriott, frequented by foreigner and local VIPs and the hotel of choice for American officials, is danger of collapse.
The ceiling of the banqueting hall crashed down on 500 guests at the Ramadan evening meal. The Pakistani president and prime minister were to have attended, but changed their plans. The blast left a huge crater outside the US-owned hotel, which has been attacked by terrorists twice before, and destroyed dozens of cars and neighboring buildings.
According to some sources, a group of CIA officers just arrived in Islamabad may have been targeted. The Pakistani Taliban was reported to have claimed responsibility for the attack which DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources note came four days after its partner, al Qaeda, attacked the US embassy in Sanaa, killing seventeen people.
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was quoted by the LA Times Saturday as reporting that US military advisers would arrive in Islamabad within weeks to train the Pakistan army in counterinsurgency warfare.
A few hours earlier and half a mile away from the Marriott, new Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari pledged to fight terrorism in his first address to parliament. While the ongoing military campaign against Taliban and al Qaeda in the tribal region is unpopular, Zardari was applauded when he declared Pakistan would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty by “any power” – a reference to the recent US cross-border raids and missile attacks against their sanctuaries in Pakistani tribal lands.
In North Waziristan, at least eight Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on their military convoy Saturday. A large number of Arab and Central Asian fighters linked to al Qaeda are reported to be hiding near the town of Mir Ali, the site of Saturday's attack.