A car bomb exploded near the entrance to the Marirot Hotel during lunch
hour today, causing significant damage to the front of the hotel. Initial
media and police reports suggest at least seven people were killed and 64
injured after a bomb that appears to have been planted in a Silver Bird
taxi exploded. Additional casualties are anticipated. It is not known
whether the vehicle was occupied. Fires were seen burning in the hotel
restaurant and lobby area more than an hour after the explosion at about
12.30
p.m. The timing, location and size of the bombing indicates the
bombers intended to strike at what they perceived to be a Western target
and aimed to inflict considerable casualties.
It is too early to other than speculate on who might be responsible for
the bombing. But it does fit with the known modus operandi of Jemaah
Islamiah. There was no prior warning of the bombing and no claims of
responsibility. Police and foreign security officials have uncovered
evidence in recent times that JI has been actively planning further
bombings, following its attack in Bali on 12 October. This act brings to
fruition the often-repeated fears
of Western embassies and security agencies over the potential for attacks
on so-called soft targets.
In light of today's events, clients are advised to review and enforce
office and residential security procedures. As yet, there is no
information on whether the bombing is intended to be part of a chain of
attacks. But, consistent with advice over the past several months, it is
prudent to exercise a high level of caution and, if possible, to avoid
locations where Westerners are known to congregate, including hotels and
places of entertainment.
The police bomb squad is at the scene of the bombing, and have only just
started to investigate. Necessarily information on the circumstances and
those responsible remains sketchy. AGI will continue to inform clients as
information comes to hand. It will also follow with advice on security
procedures.
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