Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

One attacker against Musharraf`s life identified - Minister

IRNA

Islamabad, Dec 27, IRNA - Pakistan`s Minister of Interior announced 
Friday that body of one of the attackers who detonated themselves in 
Thursday suicide blasts against life of the country`s president has 
been identified. 
Faisal Saleh told the Upper House of Parliament that one of the 
bombers had been identified but declined to give his name for security
reasons. 
"The bodies of three suicide attackers have been found and one has
been identified", Hayat said. "But for security reasons, the identity 
cannot be disclosed," he said. 
At least 16 are killed and 52 people are confirmed injured in twin
car blasts aimed at assassinating Pakistani President General Pervez 
Musharraf in Rawalpindi, the minister told reporters Thursday. 
Four traffic policemen and three attackers are reportedly among 
the killed. 
Security forces have begun a massive crackdown on suspected 
elements and many arrests have been made, sources said. 
President Musharraf narrowly survived the attack and windscreen of
his car was damaged as debris of a damaged petrol stations fell on his
car. 
The blast took place 1.45 pm local time near Civil Lines police 
station and damaged two petrol stations and several shops. 
Police said around 60 kg of explosive was used in the two car 
bombs against Musharraf`s life. 
General Musharraf said on Thursday that he was the target of the 
two suicide attacks, which he blamed on terrorists and extremists. 
In an interview to the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) hours 
after the attacks, he said it was his mission to weed out terrorism 
and extremism and develop Pakistan into a prosperous country. 
"There is no change in this resolve, and I would accomplish my 
mission." 
Asked about who could be behind the incident, he said nothing can 
be said with certainty but there could be terrorists and extremists 
elements. "There can be many possibilities." 
General Musharraf also gave details of the incident. 
He said the first attempt was made by the suicide bomber at the 
first petrol pump on the way of his motorcade and when the convoy 
tried to escape from the scene, another vehicle attacked from the next
petrol station. 
It was the second attack on General Musharraf life in less than 
two weeks. He escaped unhurt in another suicide bomb attack on 
December 14 near the same area of Rawalpindi city. 
The government has not blamed any group for the attack. No one 
has claimed responsibility. 
The second attack on President Musharraf in less than two weeks 
has exposed security lapses of the president`s security team, analysts
said. 
Local media have quoted Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali 
as saying that security system of the country`s president needs to 
be overhauled. 
The latest attack came just a day after Musharraf had agreed to 
step down as military head next year, as part of a deal with Islamists
to end a parliamentary stand-off. 
He will also give up some of the powers he assumed after his 
bloodless coup in 1999. Under the agreement, General Musharraf remains
as president but will have to seek Supreme Court approval if he wants 
to sack the government. 
TK/TSH/211 
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