Pakistan arrests four people in Marriot Hotel suicide attack: state TV
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Oct 1, IRNA
Pakistan-Arrests
Pakistani security agencies have arrested four people in connection with the recent massive suicide attack on the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, which had killed at least 53 people, state television reported.
The bomber exploded explosive-laden truck, which was being checked by security staff and sniffer dogs at the hotel's entrance, police said.
A new group 'Fidayen-e-Islam' (Islamic commandos) had claimed responsibility for the attack in text messages to journalists in Islamabad.
Four suspects in the Marriot Hotel blast have been arrested from a small town Phalor in district Toba Tek Singh in eastern Punjab province, PTV reported.
Private TV channels reported that those arrested are named Kamran, Afzal, Imran and Abdul Hameed.
Kamran, Afzal and Imran are real brothers and all belong to a banned group, Pakistani Channel-5 reported.
"Fidayen-e-Islam" had threatened more attacks in other text messages.
The Interior Ministry has presented an inquiry report to the Prime Minister about the attack but it has not yet been made public.
The attack at high security zone has raised questions about the capability of security agencies and they were also criticized by the federal cabinet.
Over 200 people were also injured in the attack, among them four British citizens as well as Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US nationals.
The ambassador of Czech Republic and three US nationals, including two defence officials, were those killed in the deadly attack in the country.
The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite.
The hotel is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions, so security 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.
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