2 UN workers killed in Pakistan hotel bomb attack as death toll rise
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, June 11, IRNA -- United Nations said Wednesday it has lost of its members in deadly bomb attack on a 5-star hotel in northwestern Pakistan.
A group of suicide bombers struck the luxury Pearl Continental Hotel Tuesday night and police say the death toll of the attack has increased to 18.
The rescue teams were searching for the bodies and looking for more people trapped in the debris.
“The United Nations has lost two colleagues, Mr. Aleksandar Vorkapic of UNHCR and Ms. Perseveranda So of UNICEF, and four of its staffs have got injured,” a statement from the UN Information Center in Islamabad said.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the police have failed to apprehend any suspect.
“The whole UN community feels shocked and dismayed on the tragic deaths and injuries,” Fikret Akcura, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, said.
“On behalf of the United Nations community in Pakistan, I strongly condemn this heinous attack. No cause can justify the killing and injuring of humanitarian workers and innocent civilians”, added Ackura.
He said the UN community is determined to continue its humanitarian support to over two millions Pakistani citizens who have been affected due to the ongoing displacement crises.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured,” he said.
A series of bombings have followed an army offensive against Taliban militants in Swat Valley and other parts of the northwest.
The security forces have extended operation to areas near North Waziristan tribal region and local media reported that around 70 militants have been killed in two days at Jani Khel, an area at the edge of North Waziristan.
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