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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