Al-Qaida Claims Responsibility for Amman Hotel Attacks

Strategic Insights -

Jordanian authorities are investigating 12 suspects, including 5 Iraqis, for their alleged involvement in the triple bombings in Amman that killed 60 people and wounded over 100. The attacks, which targeted the Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt, and Days Inn hotels, were carried out by four Iraqi suicide bombers, including a husband and wife team, who had been surveilling the hotels for a month. Al-Qaida in Iraq, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were in response to "the conspiracy against the Sunnis."

Key Takeaways:

  • Al-Qaida in Iraq, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the attacks on the Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt, and Days Inn hotels in Amman, Jordan.
  • The attacks were carried out by four Iraqi suicide bombers, including a husband and wife team, who had been surveilling the hotels for a month.
  • The husband and wife team bombed the Days Inn, after the woman "chose to accompany her husband to his martyrdom," according to an Al-Qaida statement.
  • Authorities have found the remains of three males believed to be the attackers, but could not confirm a woman was involved.
  • Police were scouring footage from hotel security cameras, and forensic experts were analyzing the severed head of a woman discovered at one hotel.
  • Authorities have detained more than 120 people, including Iraqis and Jordanians, in the manhunt for anyone who may have helped the bombers.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher stated that 12 people, including Jordanians, are being regarded as "suspects" in the investigation.

Statistics:

  • 60 people killed in the triple bombings
  • Over 100 people wounded in the attacks
  • 4 Iraqi suicide bombers carried out the attacks, including a husband and wife team
  • 120 people detained in connection with the bombings
  • 12 people, including Jordanians, are being regarded as "suspects" in the investigation
  • 3 males believed to be the attackers were found, but a woman's involvement could not be confirmed

Sources:

  • Associated Press, "Al-Qaida claims Amman hotel attacks; Jordan arrests hundreds," November 10, 2005.
  • "Thousands of Jordanians demand Zarqawi's head; US and Iraqis criticize Amman rulers," November 10, 2005, Associated Press.