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==The attack==
==The attack==
A suspected suicide car bombing in the parking lot of the [[Denmark|Danish]] embassy in [[Islamabad]], [[Pakistan]] at around 12:10 pm on [[June 2]] [[2008]], killed at least six to ten and wounded many more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iLyZF8ZkV1gWd8e2SHNLHLy-4z9g|title= Suicide blast at Danish embassy in Pakistan kills eight: state media|publisher= [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref> According to the [[chargé d'affaires]] of the embassy in Islamabad, Michael Hjortsø, none of those killed were Danish employees of the embassy,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7430721.stm |title=Bomb hits Pakistan Danish embassy |publisher=[[BBC News Online]] |accessdate=2008-06-02 }}</ref> though two victims are reported to be locals employed at the embassy, and the Danish foreign ministry announced that one victim was a Danish citizen of Pakistani origin not working at the embassy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2008/06/02/183720.htm|title=Per Stig: Dansk statsborger blandt de dræbte|publisher=[[Denmarks Radio]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref> Damage was also reported at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meaindia.nic.in/pressbriefing/2008/06/02pb01.htm|title=Response to the questions regarding the bomb blast in Islamabad|publisher=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref>
A suspected suicide car bombing in the parking lot of the [[Denmark|Danish]] embassy in [[Islamabad]], [[Pakistan]] at around 12:10 pm on [[June 2]] [[2008]], killed at least six to ten and wounded many more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iLyZF8ZkV1gWd8e2SHNLHLy-4z9g|title= Suicide blast at Danish embassy in Pakistan kills eight: state media|publisher= [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref> According to the [[chargé d'affaires]] of the embassy in Islamabad, Michael Hjortsø, none of those killed were Danish employees of the embassy,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7430721.stm |title=Bomb hits Pakistan Danish embassy |publisher=[[BBC News Online]] |accessdate=2008-06-02 }}</ref> though two victims are reported to be locals employed at the embassy, and the Danish foreign ministry announced that one victim was a Danish citizen of Pakistani origin not working at the embassy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2008/06/02/183720.htm|title=Per Stig: Dansk statsborger blandt de dræbte|publisher=[[Danmarks Radio]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref> Damage was also reported at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meaindia.nic.in/pressbriefing/2008/06/02pb01.htm|title=Response to the questions regarding the bomb blast in Islamabad|publisher=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)]]|accessdate=2008-06-02}}</ref>


The blast left a large crater in front of the building, as well as significant structural damage. A cloud of black [[smoke]] was reported to be visible across the city of Islamabad. A Pakistani Development Organisation building took the brunt of the blast as well as the Danish embassy. Other offices and residential building also were damaged by the car bomb.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7430941.stm "Embassy bombed in Pakistan"] ''bbc.co.uk'' [[02 June]] Link accessed 02/06/08 (Video)</ref> The residences of the Dutch ambassador and the Australian defense attache, located near the Danish embassy, were damaged in the blast, but none of their staff were reported injured.<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080602.wpakistan0602/BNStory/International/home "Blast rocks Danish embassy in Pakistan"] ''theglobeandmail.com'' [[02 June]] [[2008]] Link accessed 02/06.08</ref>
The blast left a large crater in front of the building, as well as significant structural damage. A cloud of black [[smoke]] was reported to be visible across the city of Islamabad. A Pakistani Development Organisation building took the brunt of the blast as well as the Danish embassy. Other offices and residential building also were damaged by the car bomb.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7430941.stm "Embassy bombed in Pakistan"] ''bbc.co.uk'' [[02 June]] Link accessed 02/06/08 (Video)</ref> The residences of the Dutch ambassador and the Australian defense attache, located near the Danish embassy, were damaged in the blast, but none of their staff were reported injured.<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080602.wpakistan0602/BNStory/International/home "Blast rocks Danish embassy in Pakistan"] ''theglobeandmail.com'' [[02 June]] [[2008]] Link accessed 02/06.08</ref>

Revision as of 20:54, 2 June 2008

2008 Danish embassy bombing
Damage done to the embassy as reported by TV 2 News.
LocationIslamabad, Pakistan
DateJune 2 2008
12:10 – 12:10 (UTC+5)
TargetDanish Embassy
Attack type
Alleged suicide car bomb
Deaths6 to 8
Injured24[1]
Location of Islamabad in Pakistan.

The 2008 Danish embassy bombing was a suicide attack on the Danish embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 2 2008. A suspected suicide car bombing in the parking lot of the embassy took place at around 12:10 pm (UTC+5), killing at least five and wounding many more.

The attack

A suspected suicide car bombing in the parking lot of the Danish embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan at around 12:10 pm on June 2 2008, killed at least six to ten and wounded many more.[2] According to the chargé d'affaires of the embassy in Islamabad, Michael Hjortsø, none of those killed were Danish employees of the embassy,[3] though two victims are reported to be locals employed at the embassy, and the Danish foreign ministry announced that one victim was a Danish citizen of Pakistani origin not working at the embassy.[4] Damage was also reported at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner.[5]

The blast left a large crater in front of the building, as well as significant structural damage. A cloud of black smoke was reported to be visible across the city of Islamabad. A Pakistani Development Organisation building took the brunt of the blast as well as the Danish embassy. Other offices and residential building also were damaged by the car bomb.[6] The residences of the Dutch ambassador and the Australian defense attache, located near the Danish embassy, were damaged in the blast, but none of their staff were reported injured.[7]

A reporter from Al Jazeera, Kamal Hyder, reported seeing a number of bodies on the street outside the embassy.[8]

The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Per Stig Møller strongly condemned the attack, and the Danish cabinet has been called in for an emergency session.[9] The Norwegian and Swedish embassies have completely evacuated as a safety precaution. Danish citizens have been advised against all travel to Pakistan, and if already in the country, to be very careful.[10]

The car used to bomb the embassy was able to get past tightened security because it had diplomatic registration plates.[11]

Threats

Prior to the explosion, the Danish Embassy had received several threats, the last as late as a month before the attack, Pakistani media reported on tribal people who threatened to travel to the Pakistani capital of Islamabad to blow up the Danish embassy there.

Denmark had downgraded the embassy threat in response to perceived security threats, as well as other embassies in the Islamic world.[12]

The perpetrators

No one has as yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but according to statement from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "There are signs that as a result of the current events there is a sharpened focus on Denmark also among the leading militant extremists abroad, and that such environments have a desire to carry out terrorist acts against Denmark, as well as against the Danes and Danish interests abroad. This is especially true in areas where Al-Qaeda-related groups are active".[13]

The attack is also speculated to be an answer to the reprinting of Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten's Muhammed cartoons in February 2006, as well as the presence of Danish troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.[14]

International reactions

Countries

  •  Denmark – The Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the attack against the Danish embassy in Pakistan a heinous crime and an attack against Denmark. "We regard this as an attack on the Danish embassy, and thus as an attack on Denmark." The Prime Minister also informed that the government is following the situation closely, and that the Pakistani President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had sent their condolences and expressed regret what has happened. Rasmussen also said "it was a horrible and cowardly attack which has claimed innocent lives and injured many. In this tragic situation my thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to the victims and their relatives. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. But regardless of who is behind it, and what the motive might be, so it is a heinous crime, which we strongly condemn and denounce." He also said that Denmark would not change their policies in the fight against terrorism.[15]
    The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Per Stig Møller strongly condemned the attack, saying that the attack was "completely unacceptable". "We have severily increased protection. Safety has improved in Pakistan and elsewhere. We have also been hit by an attack in Kabul. But it is dangerous, there are fanatics and terrorists out there, and we do what we can to protect ourselves against them.
    During a press conference, he went on to say: "What these criminals have done, was done with the purpose to destroy the relationship between the Government of Pakistan, the Pakistani population and Denmark, and they will not succeed in this. He also expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, and advised Danes against travelling to Pakistan: "I do not know who did it. No one knows yet. We are in contact with the Pakistani authorities and expect them to do their utmost to find out who is behind, and what their motives are."[9]
    Imam Abdul Wahid Pedersen called the terrorist attack "madness" and "shocking and horrible".[16] The Islamic Society in Denmark described the attack as "barbaric" and "totally uacceptable".[17] The spokesperson of the Muslim Council of Denmark, Zubair Butt Hussain, also commented the attack: "Such a shockening action arouses in the Muslim Council of Denmark nothing but revulsion and disgust. Whatever the motivation for such an act may be, can such a cruel action is not justified."[18][19]
  •  Pakistan – In a letter to the Danish Queen Margrethe II, Pakistani President Pervez Musharaff strongly condemned the attack on the Danish embassy in Islamabad and promised to find and prosecute the perpetrators. "We strongly condemn this terrorist act, which has affected our whole nation deeply", he said while assuring that the attack means that the Pakistani leadership will do even more to combat and eradicate the insurgents. "We are also determined to bring the perpetrators of this appalling crime to justice."[18]
  •  Norway – The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre was shocked by the attack and condemned it in a press conference: "We have great sympathy with Denmark and will take strong distance from the terrorist attack in Islamabad. This is a shocking use of violence outside of a diplomatic station".[20]He has also contacted his Danish colleague, Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller, and offered Denmark all the assistance that Norway would be able to provide.
    The Norwegian embassy, which is located only a couple of hundred metres from the Danish Embassy, sustained some minor damages in the blast. The embassy has been completely evacuated as a safety precaution and is now closed. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry advises Norwegians not to travel to Pakistan.[21]
    The Pakistani community in Norway has also condemned the terrorist attack on the Danish embassy in Islamabad.[22]
  •  Sweden – The Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt condemned the attack in an interview with Sveriges Radio, saying: This attack is serious, and totally unacceptable. This shows the threat of terrorism. We must constantly be vigilant. Now it is directed against the Danish Embassy, a Nordic neighbour so that we feel sympathy, and we want to give Denmark all the support that the country may need to deal with this situation. But I have full confidence in the Danish government being able of dealing with the situation." When asked about why the attack was aimed at Denmark, he continued: "It is difficult to speculate in. We know, of course, not yet who it is. There are various fundamentalist and terrorist groups. They may have different agendas, they are targeted against various Western countries. Denmark has sometimes been the focus of the debate, sometimes other countries have been in focus. There is no reason to believe that Denmark would actually be more in focus than others. This is aimed against all of us." He further commented that as the attack had affected the whole os Scaninavia, there is a possibility that Sweden might be targeted as well, and that they would follow the events closely.[23][24]
    Sweden along with Norway, immediately closed its embassy in Islamabad.[25]
  •  United States – U.S. President George W. Bush condemned the attack on the Danish embassy in Islamabad. The presidential spokeswoman Dana Perino said that "We condemn this terrorist act, there is nothing that can defend it", and that the president has been briefed, who sent his condolences to the victims of the violence and to their families.[26] The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, urged Americans to use extra caution when traveling through Islamabad and to avoid the blast site.[27]

International organizations

  • European Union – The European Commission condemned the terrorist attack on the Danish embassy in the Pakistani capital Islamabad. "The Commission is still of verifying the information we have received, and create the appropriate contacts, which can assess the situation", commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger said. He continued: "The Commission condemns acts of terrorism and violence and therefore this action. The Commission expresses its solidarity with the victims of terror, and in this case, the Commission expresses of course its solidarity with its Member State Denmark."[28]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Six killed, 24 injured in blast near Danish Embassy". Associated Press of Pakistan. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  2. ^ "Suicide blast at Danish embassy in Pakistan kills eight: state media". AFP. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  3. ^ "Bomb hits Pakistan Danish embassy". BBC News Online. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  4. ^ "Per Stig: Dansk statsborger blandt de dræbte". Danmarks Radio. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  5. ^ "Response to the questions regarding the bomb blast in Islamabad". Ministry of External Affairs (India). Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  6. ^ "Embassy bombed in Pakistan" bbc.co.uk 02 June Link accessed 02/06/08 (Video)
  7. ^ "Blast rocks Danish embassy in Pakistan" theglobeandmail.com 02 June 2008 Link accessed 02/06.08
  8. ^ "Blast at Danish embassy in Pakistan". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  9. ^ a b Jyllandsposten: Per Stig fordømmer attentat - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  10. ^ "Rejsevejledning Pakistan" (in Danish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2008-06-02.
  11. ^ "Embassy bombed in Pakistan" bbc.co.uk 02 June Link accessed 02/06/08 (Video)
  12. ^ The Times of India: Blast outside Danish embassy in Pak, 8 killed - Retrieved on 2008-06-02
  13. ^ Aftenposten: Karikaturhevn, tror dansk UD - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:No icon
  14. ^ "Car Bomb Attack At Danish Embassy" sky.com 02 June 2008 Link accessed 02/06/08
  15. ^ Jyllandsposten: Fogh: Et angreb mod Danmark - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  16. ^ Berlingske Tidende: Abdul Wahid Pedersen: Galskab - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  17. ^ Berlingske Tidende: Islamisk Trossamfund: Barbarisk og uacceptabelt - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  18. ^ a b Jyllandsposten: Muslimernes Fællesråd rystede over bombe - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon Cite error: The named reference "Jyllandsposten4" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  19. ^ Politiken: Danske muslimer rystede over bombe - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  20. ^ VG Newspaper: Støre om ambassade-bomben: - En terrorhandling - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:No icon
  21. ^ VG Nett: UD til nordmenn: - Ikke reis til Pakistan - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:No icon
  22. ^ VG Nett: Fordømmer angrepet mot Danmarks ambassade - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:No icon
  23. ^ Allvarligt attentat i Kabul - published 2008-06-02 Template:Sv icon
  24. ^ Sveriges Radio: Attentatet är riktat mot alla länder - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Sv icon
  25. ^ "Blast rocks Danish embassy in Pakistan" theglobeandmail.com 02 June 2008 Link accessed 02/06.08
  26. ^ Politiken: Bush fordømmer angreb mod dansk ambassade - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon
  27. ^ "Blast rocks Danish embassy in Pakistan" theglobeandmail.com 02 June 2008 Link accessed 02/06.08
  28. ^ Jyllandsposten: EU fordømmer terrorangreb mod ambassade - Retrieved on 2008-06-02 Template:Da icon

News articles

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