Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ISLAMABAD2976
2007-07-09 11:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
RED MOSQUE - SITREP JULY 9, 1600 LOCAL
how-toVZCZCXRO6726 OO RUEHLH RUEHPW DE RUEHIL #2976 1901101 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 091101Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0304 INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 7293 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 1316 RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI PRIORITY 6635 RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE PRIORITY 2811 RUEHPW/AMCONSUL PESHAWAR PRIORITY 1229 RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 2632 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHWSMRC/USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RUMICEA/USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002976
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PTER PK
SUBJECT: RED MOSQUE - SITREP JULY 9, 1600 LOCAL
REF: ISLAMABAD 2960 AND PREVIOUS
UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002976
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PTER PK
SUBJECT: RED MOSQUE - SITREP JULY 9, 1600 LOCAL
REF: ISLAMABAD 2960 AND PREVIOUS
1. (SBU) Summary: There has been no major change in the Red
Mosque situation since Post's July 7 report (reftel),but the
government appears to be preparing for a final siege.
Security forces and militants exchanged sporadic gunfire on
July 8 and 9, and mosque leader Ghazi continues to refuse to
surrender. All Mission staff are safe and accounted for, and
except for the G6 sector, which remains under curfew, the
city is operating normally. End Summary.
2. (SBU) Media reported that on Sunday President Musharraf
issued a go-ahead order for security forces to "act
decisively." Government sources notified post that a major
operation would take place Sunday night, but a plan to storm
the girls' dorm next to the mosque was stopped when security
forces discovered it was booby-trapped. The Army continues
to conduct aerial surveillance of the mosque. Militants
fatally shot a Pakistan Special Forces Commander during an
abortive raid attempt by authorities on Sunday morning, and
later on the same day several militants were arrested while
trying to escape the mosque.
3. (SBU) Groups of religious leaders continue to urge Ghazi
to release women and children still inside the compound.
Select religious leaders who recently met with Ghazi will see
Prime Minister Aziz today. Washington may wish to review
reporting in other channels.
PATTERSON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PTER PK
SUBJECT: RED MOSQUE - SITREP JULY 9, 1600 LOCAL
REF: ISLAMABAD 2960 AND PREVIOUS
1. (SBU) Summary: There has been no major change in the Red
Mosque situation since Post's July 7 report (reftel),but the
government appears to be preparing for a final siege.
Security forces and militants exchanged sporadic gunfire on
July 8 and 9, and mosque leader Ghazi continues to refuse to
surrender. All Mission staff are safe and accounted for, and
except for the G6 sector, which remains under curfew, the
city is operating normally. End Summary.
2. (SBU) Media reported that on Sunday President Musharraf
issued a go-ahead order for security forces to "act
decisively." Government sources notified post that a major
operation would take place Sunday night, but a plan to storm
the girls' dorm next to the mosque was stopped when security
forces discovered it was booby-trapped. The Army continues
to conduct aerial surveillance of the mosque. Militants
fatally shot a Pakistan Special Forces Commander during an
abortive raid attempt by authorities on Sunday morning, and
later on the same day several militants were arrested while
trying to escape the mosque.
3. (SBU) Groups of religious leaders continue to urge Ghazi
to release women and children still inside the compound.
Select religious leaders who recently met with Ghazi will see
Prime Minister Aziz today. Washington may wish to review
reporting in other channels.
PATTERSON