Pakistani capital on high alert after bomb attack
Embassies review security measures
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's capital was on high alert yesterday and embassies reviewed security measures after a bomb struck a restaurant crowded with foreigners, killing a Turkish aid worker and wounding at least 12 others, including four FBI personnel.
Saturday's attack appeared to be the first targeting foreigners in a recent wave of violence in Pakistan, which has been battling Al Qaeda- and Taliban-linked militants.
"Four FBI personnel were slightly injured in the bombing attack in Pakistan," said Special Agent Richard Kolko, an FBI spokesman. "The FBI is providing the necessary assistance to our employees and their families."
The Saturday attack also came at a politically sensitive time - Parliament is due to convene today, bringing to power foes of US-allied President Pervez Musharraf.
A notice posted on the US Embassy's website late Saturday urged Americans "to avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate and to maintain a low profile," also noting that "American citizens should stay alert, be aware of their surroundings, reduce travel to a minimum, and act self-defensively at all times."
US policy prohibits families of American diplomats from accompanying them on assignment in Pakistan, but most other countries allow it. US Embassy spokeswoman Kay Mayfield could not comment on whether the United States was taking measures such as sending home nonessential employees.
"Embassies are reviewing their security practices and the guidance they give to their employees," Mayfield said.
Concrete barriers lined the streets yesterday in the upscale neighborhood around the Luna Caprese restaurant, a popular spot for expatriates in Islamabad and one of the few that serve alcohol. A dozen policemen stood guard outside the two-story villa in what had been considered a secure neighborhood where diplomats and government officials live.
Police stepped up vehicle checks yesterday throughout the capital and detained some suspects, said city Police Chief Shahid Nadeem Baloch. He would not give a number.
Officials said the bomb was thrown over the wall or was planted in the restaurant's garden, which had been crowded with diners. The restaurant has a private security guard at its entrance, but none along its perimeter.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry identified the dead woman as Sacide Ender Baskaya, who was working for a Turkish aid group, Support to Life. A ministry statement condemned the attack and said Turkey would "maintain its solidarity with brother Pakistan."
A list of victims was posted in the reception of an Islamabad hospital. Five US citizens were listed as undergoing surgery. One Japanese citizen, one Canadian, one Briton, and three Pakistanis also were wounded.
The British Foreign Office reported that a staff member from the British High Commission had been "lightly injured" in the blast. The man was being treated in a hospital, the office said.
Japan's Kyodo News agency said two of its journalists were wounded.
