Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ISLAMABAD494
2007-01-26 12:39:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
BOMB EXPLODES IN MARRIOTT HOTEL PARKING LOT
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 000494
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2017
TAGS: PTER ASEC CASC PK
SUBJECT: BOMB EXPLODES IN MARRIOTT HOTEL PARKING LOT
REF: LAHORE 61
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 000494
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2017
TAGS: PTER ASEC CASC PK
SUBJECT: BOMB EXPLODES IN MARRIOTT HOTEL PARKING LOT
REF: LAHORE 61
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (U) On January 26 at approximately 1430, a bomb exploded
at the back area of the Islamabad Marriott hotel. According
to media reports an hour after the event, two people were
killed, and seven injured (two critically so). Initial
reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated himself at
the staff entrance of the Marriott hotel after a security
guard refused to let him enter. The hotel security guard and
the bomber are the only reported casualties at this time.
2. (U) This is a sensitive time of year for a number of
reasons. Today marks India's Republic Day, and the Indian
High Commission is scheduled to host a reception at the
Marriot this evening.
3. (C) The explosion also comes during the Shi'a Muslim holy
month of Muharram, which has historically been viewed by
Deobandi sectarian extremist groups as a symbolically
important time for carrying out attacks
against Shi'a and Brailvi shrines, mosques, and processions.
The month of Muharram officially began on January 21, but
Shura religious processions are not scheduled to begin until
January 29. Many observers have been predicting an increased
level of violence during this year's Muharram holiday
(reftel),and television commentators are already saying that
the attack planners are trying to send a signal that they can
penetrate even a high security area.
4. (SBU) All American Embassy and TDY personnel have been
accounted for, and there are no reports of American
casualties.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2017
TAGS: PTER ASEC CASC PK
SUBJECT: BOMB EXPLODES IN MARRIOTT HOTEL PARKING LOT
REF: LAHORE 61
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (U) On January 26 at approximately 1430, a bomb exploded
at the back area of the Islamabad Marriott hotel. According
to media reports an hour after the event, two people were
killed, and seven injured (two critically so). Initial
reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated himself at
the staff entrance of the Marriott hotel after a security
guard refused to let him enter. The hotel security guard and
the bomber are the only reported casualties at this time.
2. (U) This is a sensitive time of year for a number of
reasons. Today marks India's Republic Day, and the Indian
High Commission is scheduled to host a reception at the
Marriot this evening.
3. (C) The explosion also comes during the Shi'a Muslim holy
month of Muharram, which has historically been viewed by
Deobandi sectarian extremist groups as a symbolically
important time for carrying out attacks
against Shi'a and Brailvi shrines, mosques, and processions.
The month of Muharram officially began on January 21, but
Shura religious processions are not scheduled to begin until
January 29. Many observers have been predicting an increased
level of violence during this year's Muharram holiday
(reftel),and television commentators are already saying that
the attack planners are trying to send a signal that they can
penetrate even a high security area.
4. (SBU) All American Embassy and TDY personnel have been
accounted for, and there are no reports of American
casualties.
CROCKER